Mystery heroes prevent rape of young woman

Brakpan police have warned women to be vigilant following a harrowing incident on Sunday evening, in which a young woman was robbed, abducted and almost raped.

According to Capt Joep Joubert, spokesperson for the Brakpan Police Station commander, the 21-year-old victim was walking along Hamilton Avenue en-route to a nearby shop at about 7.30pm, when her attacker confronted her.

“A black Volkswagen Golf drove past her and then suddenly stopped,” said Joubert.

“As the victim walked past the car, the lone occupant got out of the vehicle, grabbed her and threatened her with a gun.”

The young woman told the man he could take her handbag, but he swore at her and pushed her into his car.

The man drove his victim to a nearby field, where he told her to get out of the vehicle and undress herself.

The woman tried to run away, but the man tackled her to the ground.

He sat on her legs and pulled at her skirt and underwear.

The man’s vile intentions were disturbed, when the woman noticed a torchlight and saw three men approaching them.

She screamed for help and the man got into his car and drove away.

Read: Victim escapes after rapist falls asleep

The three heroes called the police – and officers took the woman to the police station, where a case of robbery with a firearm (armed robbery) was opened.

The woman’s handbag, containing cash, her house keys and cellphone, were stolen.

Police have urgently appealed to women to be careful when walking alone.

“Women should preferably not walk alone, especially at night time or in isolated places,” said Joubert.

“If you have no other choice however, always tell someone where you are going and the time you expect to return.”

The SAPS have also appealed to the three men who came to the woman’s rescue, or any other witnesses, to come forward.

The investigating officer, Det Const Nokhona Myataza, can be contacted on 011 741 4800.