JOB OFFER ENDS IN STABBING

Rustenburg – What should have been a hopeful step towards finding work turned into a nightmare for a 26-year-old Rustenburg woman.

On Wednesday morning, 20 August 2025, a local mother driving with her child spotted a young woman lying in the road near the Wildevy Centre, along Geelhout Avenue in the Montengulu area close to the Cultural Centre. Too afraid to stop, she immediately alerted Outdoor Arena Security, who rushed to the scene at around 09:30.

There, they found the young woman in a critical condition — stabbed in the chest, bleeding heavily, and barely clinging to consciousness. Thanks to their rapid response, she was stabilised before being rushed to Job Shimankana Tabane Hospital. Outdoor Arena Security personnel stopped the bleeding before a JustMed24 ambulance arrived.

A JOB OFFER THAT WASN’T
Moments before losing consciousness, the victim managed to whisper her story. The day before, while standing in Joubert Street — a well-known gathering place for people seeking casual jobs — she was approached by an older man, estimated to be in his 40s or 50s. He told her he had work for her and asked her to meet him in Wildevy Street the following day.

Trusting his words, she went to the spot. But instead of finding work, she was ambushed. The man stabbed her, stole her handbag, and fled, leaving her for dead.

Outdoor Arena Security also dispatched their K9 unit to track the suspect. “Our K9 unit was deployed, and we found fresh tracks and a blood trail. We suspect that the attacker cut himself. Tracking was suspended when he crossed the N4 highway and the scent was lost,” explained Outdoor Arena Security’s senior response officer and public relations officer, Max Bean.

“WE HOPE SHE RECOVERS”
“We found the young woman in a critical state but managed to stabilise her. We don’t have an update on her current condition, but we believe she is doing well. Together with Platinum Weekly, we wish her a full and speedy recovery,” Max said.

No job is worth risking your life. Stay alert, stay safe.

This attack is a chilling reminder of the dangers faced by vulnerable people searching for work. What begins as an innocent hope for opportunity can be twisted into an act of violence.

The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and the lifesaving role of fast response teams. It also serves as a warning to those seeking employment: never go alone to meet strangers, and always inform someone you trust where you are going.

Because of the swift action of a concerned motorist and the immediate response of security and emergency services, a life was spared. But the scars — both physical and emotional — will remain.

Main photo: Quick response by emergency personnel helped save a young woman’s life after she was attacked.

STAY SAFE WHEN LOOKING FOR WORK
Tips to protect yourself and loved ones

• Never go alone — take a friend or family member with you when meeting someone for the first time.
• Meet in public places — avoid quiet or isolated areas.
• Share your plans — tell someone where you’re going and who you’re meeting.
• Trust your gut — if something feels wrong, walk away.
• Keep valuables safe — carry only essentials, and avoid displaying cash.
• Save emergency numbers — have local security, SAPS, or a trusted contact on speed dial.