An anonymous 18-year-old woman spoke about the horror of almost being kidnapped at a local shopping centre during her final Grade 12 exam.

The victim whose identity cannot be disclosed for her own safety said she was walking across the parking area when she noticed an unknown man following her.

After following me for a while he tried to grab me but I managed to escape and screamed for help. He ran away and disappeared when I drew attention,” the victim said.

The youngster said she had been living in fear and was constantly looking over her shoulder, but she thanked her family, friends and even her teachers for their support.

Also read: Nearly kidnapped: Young survivor shares her ordeal

“It was such a difficult time. The very next day I was writing my History paper. It was an ordeal that I went through at the worst of times when I was so focused on finishing school. I thank God every day that my life was spared and that I live to tell the story, maybe even warn others,” she said.

She has since passed her matric and will be moving to another province to study towards a degree.

Had it not been for caring family and friends, she believes her traumatic experience would have stood in her way of achieving her educational goal.

Also read: Child kidnapping prevention tips for all ages