South Africa’s life-saving petrol attendant in danger

A petrol station attendant who recently put himself at risk to foil a kidnapping in progress now faces an increasing threat to his life.

CCTV footage shows that at about 17h03 in the afternoon on 20 September 2024, armed assailants in a white Nissan Navara bakkie pulled into a filling station on Corlett Drive near Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, and blocked a man in his BMW 3 Series from exiting his parking space.

Upon coming to a complete stop, several attackers exited the Nissan and accosted the man in his BMW, with one attacker ripping open the passenger door and climbing inside while the other pulled the man out of his car through the driver’s door.

Customers and employees at the service station kept their distance and watched the crime unfold, seemingly unwilling to come to the victim’s aid.

The attackers then attempted to force the man into the back of their bakkie, but he gave them a good fight.

At this point of the video, one can see the brave petrol station attendant selflessly sprinting towards the commotion to help the victim.

When he arrives, the criminals are taken by surprise and momentarily release their grip on the BMW driver’s arm, who immediately takes this chance to escape.

The petrol station attendant can be seen trying to push away the assault rifle-wielding kidnappers with nothing but his bare hands before he, too, turns around and hauls it back towards the safety of the convenience store behind the victim.

The criminals subsequently realise their plans have been foiled and get back into the bakkie to make their escape, leaving the courageous attendant and would-be abduction victim at the station unharmed.

The now widely-shared video, as reposted by Limpopo Current Affairs on Facebook, can be viewed below:

Not so safe and sound

Nazeer Saley, the attorney representing both the petrol attendant and the alleged abduction victim, said the police have already arrested three suspects who are believed to have been part of the failed kidnapping, with the search for the fourth accomplice still ongoing.

As such, the attorney urged the public to stop sharing the video as it risks revealing the men’s identities and inadvertently undermining their safety.

“The bravery of the petrol attendant who stopped this crime has understandably captured widespread attention. By choosing to intervene and facing down armed criminals, he saved a man’s life and demonstrated the very best of the South African spirit,” said Saley.

“They now stand a far greater risk of being targeted, especially as there are further suspects at large. We therefore kindly ask that everyone act responsibly, and work together to protect the privacy and well-being of those involved.”

Saley clarified that both men are unharmed and very grateful to be alive.

“The petrol attendant has been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the outpouring of support he has received, and his legal representatives are considering launching a crowdfunding platform for those who wish to contribute in recognition of his courage,” he said.

He urged both the media and the public to allow law enforcement the time and space needed to conduct a thorough investigation without interference.

“In many cases, sharing videos of crimes such as hijackings or kidnappings is about the shock factor rather than being helpful or kind, for example,” Saley concluded.

“But it’s important not to forget that behind every video, there are real people. So, think twice before hitting ‘share’ – it could make all the difference to those involved.”