Greenstone woman who escaped attempted kidnapping spreads awareness
“We could save many lives if we had boxing classes in schools and were taught to defend ourselves physically.”
At just 23, Machindo Belange Kahenga has already lived through an ordeal many could only imagine in their worst nightmares.
The Greenstone Hill resident, a marketing assistant and aspiring model, recalls the horrifying experience that pushed her to take fitness seriously and, ultimately, enter Miss Grand SA.
“It was April 2022 during the Easter weekend.
“I had just left work early and was waiting for my Uber outside my complex. The driver’s app said he was a minute away, so I stood at the gate to be ready,” shared Kahenga.
Unbeknownst to her, that short wait would turn into a fight for survival.
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“While waiting, another car passed by, and the driver complimented me. ‘You’re very pretty’, he said. I didn’t think much of it because I was chatting with a guy from my complex,” she said.
The vehicle continued down the road, but moments later, everything changed.
“As soon as the guy I was speaking to went inside and the gate started closing, another man walking nearby turned around and sprinted toward me.”
At first, she said, she thought he might be in distress and needed help.
“That’s when he grabbed me. Suddenly, the same car that had passed a few minutes earlier sped back toward us. That’s when I knew they were working together.”
The men tried to shove her onto the car’s backseat, where two more men sat.
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“I started screaming, and they yelled at me to shut up. One said, ‘She’s too loud. Shut her up.’ I was trying to grab anything I could find, a stone, something. I punched, kicked and did everything I could to stop them,” she said.
That’s when one of the attackers shouted, “Shoot her.”
Fortunately, a neighbour heard her screams and came outside. The kidnappers panicked, threw her onto the street and sped off.
Kahenga’s injuries were extensive, but the emotional trauma cut deeper.
ALSO READ: False kidnapping reports and misinformation lead to serious consequences
“My life was irrevocably changed that day. The incident left me with keloid scars – raised overgrowths of scar tissue – that serve as visible reminders of my journey through pain, resilience and healing.
One prominent scar on my chest is particularly symbolic, representing the physical and emotional challenges I have faced.
“While these scars initially brought feelings of insecurity, they have since become a source of strength and purpose.
“They have inspired my mission to raise awareness about keloid scars, promote self-love, and encourage individuals, especially women, to embrace their imperfections.
“This journey has taught me that beauty and strength are found in authenticity and resilience,” she stated.
She was met with disbelief when she reported the attack to the police.
“The first thing they asked was, ‘Did you argue with your boyfriend?’ I was in shock. I had just been attacked, and instead of helping me, they were questioning whether I was making it up.”
In the aftermath of her near-kidnapping, Kahenga turned to fitness as a means of healing and a form of self-defence.
“That’s when I started taking the gym seriously. Women are told to fight for themselves, but we’re not given the tools to do so.
“We could save many lives if we had boxing classes in schools and were taught to defend ourselves physically.”
Despite her traumatic experience, she refused to let fear define her future. She’s channelling her resilience into her modelling and advocating for women’s self-defence awareness.
“I survived and want other women to have a fighting chance, too.”
Kahenga has committed to empowering and uplifting those around her.
ALSO READ: Kidnappings and human trafficking cast a shadow over SA’s security
As a finalist for Miss Grand SA, she said she has embraced the chance to raise awareness about GBV.
Miss Grand SA is a platform that empowers women while addressing social issues, and Kahenga sees this as an opportunity to amplify her advocacy work.
She encourages people to support her journey by engaging with her initiatives and spreading awareness about GBV. Kahenga believes collective action brings about meaningful change.
The public can vote for her as a Miss Grand SA Finalist by depositing, EFT or bank transfer.
Bank: Standard Bank
Account name: Miss United Continents South Africa
Branch code: 051001
Account number: 061976660
R1: 1 vote
Reference: Bella Votes
