23/09/2026
For all the Ladies out there, please share this message from our IPA SA, Self Defence Trainer, Danrick Verster.
This is from a man who kidnapped women for 14 years. He said he could pick his next victim in under 8 seconds based on 3 things.
THE 3 THINGS HE LOOKED FOR:
1. Phone in face / Head down / Earbuds in - completely unaware of the world
2. Both hands full - carrying bags in both hands, keys buried in purse, so she can't push, grab, or defend
3. Walking alone - nobody nearby to hear a scream or notice she is missing
HOW TO NOT BE THE ONE HE PICKS - The 8 Second Rule:
He said 2 seconds was all it took to know if a woman was paying attention. If she was, he walked right past her. She was not worth the risk.
Tell the community to do this every time:
1. Phones Away BEFORE the parking lot
Put your phone in your pocket before you leave the shop/building, not when you get to your car. Walk with your head up and eyes moving, scanning around you.
2. Keys Ready Early
Keep your keys already between your fingers BEFORE you reach your car, not buried in your purse. Keep at least one hand free.
3. Don't walk alone if you can avoid it
Walk with someone, walk near other people, especially at night, in parking lots, taxi ranks, malls.
4. Be the woman he passes over
Head up, eyes forward, alert. The ones who looked up, noticed him before he got close, and would scream/run/fight back - he never touched them.
Criminologists say following this can drastically reduce your risk of being selected. It's not about pepper spray or self-defense class, it's about being AWARE.
Please forward this to your sister, brother, parents, daughter, or the friend who always walks to her car with her phone in her hand. This information can save someone as soon as tomorrow.
