By Tamlyn Canham
“This post is for all drivers, female or male, please be cautious on all off-ramps.”
Mariechan has urged South Africans to always be alert while driving following her recent smash and grab experience.
Mariechan, who is known for her hit single ‘Different’ with Shekhinah, said the incident took place at 10pm on Monday night.
She took the Beyers Naudé off-ramp on her way home.
“I’m a very vigilant driver and keep windows and doors locked but still didn’t see this coming. I approached the red traffic light on-ramp and naturally stopped like every other car in Infront of and next to me.
“I reached down for my phone cable caught in the groove of the passenger seat for a split second and heard the loudest smash, glass shattering on my right side,” she wrote.
Quick thinking
Mariechan says she was disoriented for a few seconds and thought a car drove into her, but she quickly realised that was not the case.
“A man leaned over me with his upper body through the window trying to get in the car whilst scuffling for my belongings. It was dark so I couldn’t see his face well but remember trying to fight him off and keep him out of my car.”
The singer says she “screamed hysterically” and “hooted at cars but it was futile”.
She pushed down on the accelerator and quickly drove off, even though her hands could not reach the steering wheel.
“I successfully got away as he lost grip with the jerk of speed and fell out. I quickly got control of the steering wheel, swerved into lane and sped off in complete shock.”
Lucky to be alive
Mariechan says she was crying hysterically after the incident.
“I was just happy that I was alive and in one piece…. Many are not as lucky and some pay with their lives. All we can do is be on high alert on the road and not drive alone at night.”
Dr. Tumi mugged in Midrand
Mariechan’s smash and grab incident happened a few weeks after Dr Tumi was mugged in Midrand.
“I think we’re used to such things these days that I was like ‘okay, it happened’,” he said.
The incident was captured on CCTV footage.


