Survivor speaks out after brutal attack near N17

A young woman recently took to social media to share how she fought for her life during an attempted kidnapping and rape on the N17.

On June 13, a gunman ambushed 24-year-old Onkabetse Zandile Mashile after a colleague had dropped her off near the Mall@Carnival.

“He threatened to shoot me if I screamed,” she said.

The man forcefully took her into a nearby field, where he demanded money and her phone.

“He transferred all the money from my accounts. I thought he was done because he saw there was no more money left, but I could see he wanted more,” she explained.

Onkabetse said the man texted others to inform them he had “found her”. He tried to sexually assault her but failed because of her layers of clothing.

After repeated attempts to fight him off, Onkabetse slipped from his grasp after hitting him with a brick. She found help from a passing taxi. She shared how this experience had negatively affected her.

“I always have to watch my back, and I’m on prescribed medication to help me sleep,” she said.

In the video she shared on social media, she spoke about how the police failed to help her when she needed them the most.
Onkabetse explained that she is deeply frustrated by the SAPS’ lack of urgency following her traumatic ordeal.

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“Despite providing evidence, including surveillance footage and vital details, nothing meaningful has been done,” she said.

She added that the detective assigned to her case has moved incredibly slowly, and she fears the evidence is on the verge of being lost.

“Surveillance footage does not stay on record forever, and valuable leads may already be slipping away,” she said.
Onkabetse says she trusted the justice system to protect and support victims.

“I’m left chasing updates while the person who hurt me could be walking free. My voice deserves to be heard, and my case deserves action, not silence and delay.

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“I feel social media should teach people about awareness because it does not tell women how to defend and fight for themselves. Instead, social media only shares cases when someone has passed away,” she said.

Onkabetse wants people to take something from her story.

“People must not cry. They should stay calm and pray. You must fight until you cannot. Do not give up while you are at it,” she said.

Constable Audrey Buthelezi, the communications officer for the Brakpan SAPS, confirmed that the station registered a docket on June 14.

“Investigations are ongoing,” she added.