Earlier this month, Sandton resident Barbara [*Surname withheld to protect her identity] endured a terrifying afternoon in Bryanston.
While driving down the corner of William Nicol and Ballyclare drives on 3 October, bricks were suddenly thrown at the victim’s car. “I was turning right into the intersection and I was right in the front and there were some kids there. The next minute I saw some crates flying. Everyone started to U-turn, the next thing a brick came at my car and flew just past me. It caused such destruction to my car, I’m lucky to be alive,” she said.
She remembered how it was coming straight towards her and she ducked just in time. “I’m not exactly sure what happened but I heard from some eyewitnesses who I spoke to and they were just as shocked as I was. There’s normally a group of young boys dancing there, one of them was presumed drunk and acting strange.”
As she recalled her ordeal, she explained how that boy started hurling bricks and stones at her car in a split second.
She reported the incident to the police and gave a statement. “There were a few witnesses who offered to help. I reported it to Sandton Police Station, now I am waiting for the case to be investigated. The detective had promised me to let me know if there are any leads.”
Spokesperson Bheki Xulu from the Sandton Police Station confirmed that a case of malicious damage to property was opened for investigation.
Barbara said she was feeling depressed and sad about the whole situation after the incident. “I stopped at a shopping centre just to gather myself, there was a woman following me who told me to pull over. I pulled over but I didn’t even get her name, I was hysterical but she was a great help in that moment. I have seen my friends and everyone is very supportive.”
She said that she is grateful for her husband and the support structure she has.