Carjacked!

One Friday afternoon around noon, I left the office where I worked as a candidate attorney to consult with a client at the Goodwood prison.

I tend to be directionally challenged and always use Google Maps to help me find the court. I climbed into my car, grateful it was Friday. I drove, following the directions, oblivious to the fact that Google had chosen the shortest route to the court—a route that would take me through the notorious and extremely dangerous Nyanga township.

Suddenly, I found myself in a very peculiar situation.

I was stuck between a taxi stand and a row of shacks.

The cars in front of me were not moving, and there were taxis everywhere. While trying to figure out the predicament I was in, I heard banging around my right ear. A brick broke the driver’s side window. It happened very quickly, and I became dizzy.

Dazed and still trying to figure out what was happening, I saw a hand reach through the broken window, then another hand holding a gun. Two young men pulled me out of the car without a word and took my keys and my cell phone. I did not resist.

I raised my hands and told them to take everything.

One tried to get into the car but realized he would not be able to drive away due to the congestion. They panicked and quickly walked away with my keys and phone. Though they had gone, I was alone without any way to leave, while a crowd of people stood around staring at me as if I had come from another planet. I knew I was still in danger.

Then I saw a man who caught my attention.

His eyes looked so kind and peaceful. He looked straight at me and said, “Sissy, there are your keys. Pick them up and go.” I looked at the ground, and there were my keys, a few feet from the car. I quickly started the car and noticed those kind eyes still looking at me. “Thank you,” I said. He nodded and said, “Go!” Suddenly, the road cleared, and I headed to the police station for help. When I was in the valley of death, God came through for me.

Through this stranger—this angel?—I felt God’s presence and knew I was not alone. I do not know what valleys you are going through, but be comforted, sister, for God is never far from those who trust Him.

Deborah Matshaya