Former Miss South Africa and Miss Supranational winner Lalela Mswane has spoken publicly about a frightening attempted abduction that left her traumatised and highlighted the dangers many women face in South Africa.
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Lalela Mswane details alleged abduction
In a video shared on social media, Mswane said she was having dinner with her sister at the Mall of Africa in Midrand when a man approached her at a parking ticket machine shortly before 22:00 and asked for her phone number. She said she clearly rejected his advances, but he continued to pursue her.
According to Mswane, the man later drove up beside their vehicle and aggressively approached them. She and her sister managed to drive away, only to realise that the man and another person were following them.
According to TimesLive, Mswane has described the experience as deeply traumatic, saying it left both sisters fearful of driving at night.
On the video, she also urged women to remain vigilant, while stressing that her experience was a reminder of the reality of violence and insecurity faced by women.
Lalela Mswane opens up about the one time she almost got kidnapped in Midrand; South Africa. pic.twitter.com/FTfsrf7wJq
— Musa Khawula Backup Page (@MzansiGoss) September 15, 2026
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Violence against women
Her account comes as South Africa is again confronting widespread concern over violence against women.
TimesLive reports that police are currently investigating the deaths of several women whose bodies were discovered in and around Ekurhuleni, with authorities warning women to exercise caution while investigations continue.
Police have not confirmed that the cases were committed by a serial killer.
South African government information recognises violence against women as encompassing physical, sexual, economic and psychological abuse, with lasting consequences for victims and communities.
Mswane’s experience has added another personal account to the wider national conversation about women’s safety and the need to address violence against women.
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Featured image: Gallo Images/Oupa Bopape
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