By Priya Ranchod
A 27-year-old woman escaped an attempted kidnapping near dawn on Wednesday, 8 October 2026 evening after Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD) officers on patrol heard her screaming for help and reacted swiftly.
The officers were patrolling Link Road, between Esselen Park and Lilibha, when they heard the cries. They stopped immediately, and the woman ran towards the EMPD vehicle and jumped inside for safety.
EMPD Spokesperson Chief Superintendent Kelebogile Thepa said the victim told officers that four men driving a white Toyota Avanza had tried to kidnap her.
"The officers gave chase. The suspects fled on foot and two ran into the Emfihlweni Cemetery, and the other two, including the driver of the vehicle, fled towards the Esselen Park area. During the chase, the suspects opened fire towards the officers. Due to the darkness in the cemetery area, the suspects managed to evade arrest. No officers were injured and no arrests were made," she said.
Thepa said a case of attempted kidnapping and attempted murder will be opened at Thembisa SAPS for further investigation, and that EMPD will work closely with SAPS to trace the suspects and the vehicle.
"As the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department, we appeal to the public that anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of four males driving a white Toyota Avanza in the Thembisa area around 20:00 this evening, is requested to come forward," she said.
EMPD also urged community members, especially women, to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone in isolated areas, open veld and unlit streets at night, and report any suspicious vehicles or persons immediately.
"We condemn the continued targeting of women by violent and ruthless criminals. The EMPD will not rest until those responsible are brought to book," Thepa said.