Johanna Aphane, the victim of a recent robbery in Randpoort had to make a choice in the blink of an eye – her life or her handbag.
In an exclusive interview with the Herald, the 43-year-old mother of three shared the traumatic experience she had while walking to work on Wednesday, 10 March at about 8am.
Aphane, who is a domestic worker in Randpoort said she nearly lost her life.
“A white Volkswagen Citi Golf stopped in front of me and a woman grabbed my bag. I honestly believe they’d been driving behind me and watching me for some time because they made sure there was no one else around to help me or witness the attack.
“The whole ordeal happened so quickly, but when the woman grabbed my bag I resisted and fought back. I then realised that my life was in danger,” she said. It was only after the robbers had dragged her next to their vehicle while she was clinging onto her handbag and almost being run over in the process that she decided to let go of the handbag.
“I eventually thought it was better to give up the handbag rather than losing my life; I don’t want my kids to end up as orphans.” She said during the struggle, images of her children flashed before her eyes.
Aphane escaped with moderate injuries and is still in shock. She said she no longer feels safe in public.
“The incident has affected me badly; even when I walk in the CBD to board a taxi, I get terrified. I’ve become very paranoid,” she added.
She said after the incident her employer had to give her tablets to calm her down and she was taken to a local clinic.
While regretting having lost her bank card, ID, a cellphone and her last R1 000 cash, she said she’s glad to be alive to tell her story.
