WATCH: Woman fights off kidnappers in Johannesburg
A woman narrowly escaped a terrifying kidnapping attempt in Johannesburg after attackers posing as Uber drivers tried to abduct her.
Sarah Scott, a 44-year-old Tanzanian resident, believes her mother’s prayers played a role in her survival after an attempted kidnapping.
Speaking to Netwerk24, she shared how she instinctively fought back instead of freezing in fear.
Scott had been on a two-week holiday in South Africa and was visiting her friend, Elizabeth Wallis, in Hyde Park last Friday night.
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While waiting for her Uber outside her friend’s house at around 8:00 pm, she was suddenly ambushed.
Footage obtained by Netwerk24 captures the dramatic moment Scott defended herself against one of the assailants.
Watch here:
Describing herself as mentally and emotionally strong, she credits her awareness of her surroundings for her quick response.
"I am always present and in the moment, and I think that helped me react immediately," she said.
Scott recalled noticing a man approaching – later realising he had emerged from a white Volkswagen Polo.
While she didn't feel alarmed at first, she quickly sensed danger when he walked past her and then doubled back.
As the white Polo arrived, she initially thought it was her Uber and was about to climb in when the kidnapper grabbed her and attempted to drag her into the car.
"I surprised myself with my lion's roar," she said, describing the guttural scream that erupted from deep within her. Her physical strength also played a role in fending off the attack.
Scott, like many others, is deeply concerned about crime in South Africa.
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"It's awful to live in fear," she said. "I don't want to be afraid of people who approach me. I choose to trust them until they show me I can't."
She believes the attackers were opportunists since the vehicle did not match her Uber booking. While she remains grateful to have escaped, she plans to seek counselling.
"I don't dwell on what could have happened – I control my thoughts."
Despite the severity of the incident, she has yet to receive a follow-up from the police.
Cassie Jaganyi, Uber SA’s head of communications, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident.
"Everyone using Uber should feel safe, and we take situations like this very seriously," Jaganyi said, confirming that the company is investigating and works closely with authorities 24/7.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police spokesperson Lt. Col. Mavela Masondo confirmed that a case of attempted kidnapping has been opened, though no arrests have been made yet.
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Image: X/ Screenshot