The plans of a group of criminals were botched this weekend due to the quick response from the Carletonville police.

A young woman, who resides in the 50s of Khutsong Extension 5, was about to get into her car when a group of criminals stormed her vehicle at around 21:05 on Sunday, July 7.

Realising that the four men wanted to hijack her, the victim threw her keys under the car. Unfortunately, this did not stop them.

When they realised they could not get hold of the keys fast enough, they grabbed the young woman and forced her into their silver Mercedes-Benz.
Bystanders managed to call the police. Two police vans, one belonging to the Carletonville SAPS’ Crime Prevention Unit and another one with members of the CSC (Community Service Centre), raced to her assistance. Luckily both vehicles were in the area and they immediately chased after the kidnappers.

The kidnappers drove to the back of Hoërskool Wonderfontein and, realising that they were trapped, tried to take a shortcut into the veld.
The criminals and the police started shooting at each other until the Mercedes hit a ditch.

The car was damaged to such an extent that it could not drive any further.
Three of them jumped out and managed to run away into the veld.

The police managed to arrest the driver.

They also found the victim shaken but unharmed.

It was later determined that the suspects were not from the area and did not realise that the shortcut through the veld would not succeed.