A family from Khutsong Extension 5 narrowly escaped tragedy when hijackers sped off with their two-year-old son still inside the car during a terrifying incident on Tuesday, 30 July.

The drama unfolded at around 19:00 in the 80s section of Ext 5, near Welverdiend, during the recent power outage linked to ongoing issues at the Frikkie van der Merwe substation.

The father had just parked their black VW Golf 6 outside their home and stepped out, leaving his wife and toddler inside the vehicle. Moments later, a gunman appeared, demanding his cellphone. He informed the attacker that the phone was still in the car with his family.

The suspect, accompanied by three armed accomplices, marched the father to the house and took the keys to the family’s second vehicle. The men then hijacked the Golf – with the mother and child still inside – and sped away into the darkness.

In panic, the father rushed to a neighbour for help, and together they found the car abandoned a short distance away. But his wife and son were gone.

While opening a case at the Carletonville police station, the emotional ordeal took a sudden turn. The mother arrived safely with the toddler, explaining that the hijackers had let them go after she made a mobile money transfer using her banking app.

Shortly after the report, members of the Khutsong Police spotted the family’s second stolen vehicle. They swiftly intercepted it and arrested the four armed suspects – all from Soweto.

The suspects have since appeared in court on multiple charges.