A domestic worker travelling from Soweto to her workplace in Randburg was robbed of her cellphone by two men.
The domestic worker, who wished to remain anonymous out of fear for her safety, said she switched taxis in Meadowlands travelling towards Randburg when two men in their 20s approached her and demanded she hand over her cellphone.
“One of them had a knife and the other had what looked like a gun,” she said. She added that it often happened in the early mornings when domestics were robbed of their phones, bags or money.
The incident has not yet been reported to the police.
Penny Steyn of Domestic Watch said it was best to wear a bag across the body so your hands are free; never walk or travel with your phone visible, keep it on silent and do not answer when your phone rings.
“Phones are prime target attractions as well as expensive-looking accessories, handbags and clothing,” she explained. Steyn said even looking at your phone was asking for trouble and warned to never put a cellphone in your bra.
Steyn gave some advice to follow when travelling:
- Get a whistle and wear it around your neck. Blow it like crazy if you are being attacked; the attackers might run away. Scream to get help.
- Don’t fight the attacker. Throw the phone or purse as far as possible away from you. Don’t get killed for a phone or money.
- Personal alarms. There are a number of personal alarms, get one and wear it, everyone should have one.
- Always report attacks to the police, even if the attackers don’t get what they want. Report to the nearest police station in the area of the attack.
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