The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
The Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe send a strong warning to community members who are still hitchhiking unknown motor vehicles.
The warning follows an incident that took place, on Tuesday, 25 July 2023 at around 10:00 in the bushes along R81 road, Xukukwami village in Giyani.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Malesela Ledwabasaid that a 28-year-old male victim was hitchhiking at the traffic lights of Siyandhani along R81 going to Malamulele when a silver Datsun car with two occupants stopped. They apparently offered him a lift together with another man.
On the way, the driver then suggested to the occupants that he needed to via nearby bushes to buy firewood.
While in the bushes, he suddenly stopped the vehicle threatened the hitchhiker with knife and firearms, demanding money.
The three men, robbed him off a cell phone and money. They also tried to access funds from his bank account through an App but it was insufficient.
They pushed him out of the vehicle and drove off at a high speed. The victim immediately notified the police and a manhunt to arrest the suspects was launched.
“It is more safe and reliable to make use of public transport. People can avoid becoming victims in the hands of these ruthlessness and heartless criminals by making use of public Transport. Your precious life is more valuable so take it serious” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
Anyone with information that can assist the police to arrest these criminals should contact Detective Warrant Officer Hobyani @ 071 1637 272 or crime stop number 08600 10111 or the nearest Police Station or MysapsApp.
The Police investigations are still continuing.