Durban North student assaulted in robbery
The student said she was left traumatised by the incident.
A DURBAN North student has spoken out about how she was punched repeatedly in a mugging on Prospect Hall Road on Tuesday afternoon. Thando Zwane, a student at Varsity College Durban North was walking home when she was attacked by two men who demanded her phone. She’s hopes by sharing her story to help other students, especially female students, who may be walking alone on this stretch of road.
“I noticed two guys walking towards me just near the dip of Prospect Hall Road. I had my phone in my hands and saw them from a distance, there was something about them, they looked like trouble. I put my phone into my bag. One of the guys then demanded my phone and when I refused, the other man tried to pull my handbag from me.
“I screamed for help, and they began punching and hitting my back and then under my chin. I took my phone out of my bag as they were pulling at me, I knew they wanted my phone. I was able to take my phone out in the ensuing commotion. I was so grateful when another resident stopped his car to help. Both of the men ran off but the police were able to apprehend one of the men and recover my handbag,” she said.
Zwane said the incident has left her traumatised to the point where she now takes a different route home.
“I try not to walk alone anymore and rather walk with my friends. Sometimes though, my lectures finish late and I can’t help it. I hope by sharing my story that I can help other students and pedestrians, especially women. I’ve even thought of getting pepper spray,” she said.
Col Rene Dlamuka, of the Durban North SAPS, confirmed that one suspect had been arrested.
