Women in the Camps Bay and Clifton area are urged to be extra cautious following recent incidents of alleged kidnappings and general harassment.
An undated video currently doing the rounds on social media captured a woman walking down Kloof Road by herself and appears to narrowly escape an attempted kidnapping.
In the video, a man in a white car is seen pulling up beside her. He gets out of the car but the woman sidesteps him and continues walking off. The man paces up and down for a few seconds before getting back in the car and driving off.
According to social media posts, a man in a white car has allegedly been targeting women in the Atlantic Seaboard area. These reports have not been confirmed.
According to SAPS Camps Bay Station Commander, Captain Keith Chandler, their office has not received any reports or cases of kidnapping or sex trafficking, but he urged women to be cautious in the area.
“We are aware of the videos posted but again nothing reported at this police station. We encourage all runners and visitors to be vigilant and especially women to run or walk with a group or with a training partner. Due to the poor economic climate we cannot rule out opportunistic crime,” he said.
In an unrelated report, women walking near the Clifton steps in Bantry Bay/ Camps Bay were allegedly harassed by a group of three vagrants. The vagrants allegedly intimidated and screamed at the women until the one handed over her smoothie, then continued to intimate and stalk the women while hurling profanities.
In a statement, Camps Bay CSI said they are aware of the incident and confirmed that it is being looked into by SAPS.
“We would also like to caution the public about sending videos/photos of suspects on social media as it can interfere with the investigation and hinder successful prosecution of suspects,” said CBCSI.
They advise that locals take the following precautions when out in public:
– Please walk in groups.
– Keep your valuables concealed or leave them somewhere safe.
– Always let loved ones know where you are going and give an estimated time frame so they can attempt to contact you should you not arrive.
– Install tracking software on your phone & give access to a trusted loved one.
– Install the Buzzer app (Mobile SOS button).
Picture: Screenshot from video