The resurfacing of an old viral video showing a chilling kidnapping attempt has sparked renewed concerns over safety, particularly for women with children.

The video recounts an incident that occurred in Middelburg when a mother and her two sons were nearly victims of an abduction in November 2019.

The Middelburg Observer interviewed the family in 2019.

Also read: Seun (9) takel ontvoerder wat tweejarige in Middelburg uit kar gryp

Little Nathan van Niekerk shared how he became South Africa’s latest internet sensation after he saved his two-year-old little brother from the clutches of a kidnapper.

The incident occurred around 18:30. Lizette and her children, Nathan and Raygan were on their way home on Walter Sisulu Street when the kidnapper struck.

While waiting in the inner lane for the traffic light to turn green, Lizette noticed a suspicious man approaching her work bakkie. The bakkie is equipped with a dashboard camera that recorded the alarming moment when Raygan was grabbed from the seat.

In the footage, Lizette can be heard warning Nathan, “Here comes a thug, watch out, here he comes,” followed by blood-curdling screams as the man grabs the toddler.

Nathan immediately chases after the man.

“I kept hitting him with my fists,” he said wide-eyed.

Nathan tackled the kidnapper, who still had Raygan in his grip until he threw the toddler into the street like a rag.

“I picked up my little brother while my mother chased the kidnapper”.

With Krav Maga self-defense lessons behind her, Lizette was ready for a confrontation.

However, the kidnapper was armed with a butcher knife and threatened, “I’ll f****** kill you.”

The police were on the scene shortly after this, where they picked up Lizette and started looking for the man.

“I will always recognize him,” Lizette told the media.

Watch the video here:

Here are some safety tips from the police to keep in mind:

• Ensure that your vehicle is in good condition when you plan to go on a journey.
• Ensure that your vehicle’s fuel tank always has sufficient fuel.
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed.
• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
• Avoid to stop at remote places.
• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide -only 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.
• If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back, if this is possible.
• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
• Car jackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car.
• Your life is more valuable than your possessions.
• Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon.
• Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
• A gear lock is an affordable and a very effective anti-theft device.
• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.
• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.

Also read: What are your rights at a roadblock?

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