The fact that Carletonville’s streets are not safe after dark was confirmed by an incident this week.

A 23-year-old man had a harrowing experience on the night of December 3. He arrived at Carletonville Taxi Rank at approximately 20:30, but was told that no taxis were driving to Khutsong. He then decided to walk to Westcol instead.

He was walking close to the college on South Street when a navy blue VW Polo with four men inside stopped next to him. One of the passengers pointed a firearm at him and instructed him to get into their car.

When he hesitated, the driver jumped out and forced him into the car.

They then drove off with him. The passenger who had earlier pointed a firearm at him, threatened him with the weapon again, and demanded his cellphone.

When the young man claimed that he did not have a cellphone, the driver stopped, and the thugs searched him.

They took his cellphone, laptop, clothes, and all his money and drove with him to Talc Street, where they let him go.

They then drove off.

The police in Carletonville are investigating an armed robbery and kidnapping.