By Emily Setona
QWAQWA – A 46-year old woman is lucky to be alive after surviving a terrifying attack in which she was allegedly pushed into a swollen river by a taxi driver who had demanded sex from her.
Thabo Mofutsanyana SAPS spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, said the woman boarded a taxi from Mabolela to Phuthaditjhaba on Sunday night, 23 November, when the driver allegedly veered off the usual route.
“He demanded sex, and when she refused, he allegedly robbed her and pushed her into the river,” Mophiring said.
Swept away by the strong current, the woman fought to stay alive and managed to cling to a tree on the riverbank. She hung on throughout the cold night — more than 12 hours — unable to drag herself to safety.
Her ordeal ended on Monday morning, 24 November, when a passer-by heard her cries for help and alerted authorities. SAPS and Maluti-a-Phofung Fire and Rescue teams responded swiftly and pulled her from the water. She was taken to hospital, where she is receiving medical care.
Police have opened cases of attempted rape, attempted murder and robbery. No arrests had been made at the time of publication.
The SAPS has urged commuters to be vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour in the taxi industry. Community members with information that could help trace the suspect are encouraged to contact police immediately.
