Commuters and residents using the R23 route have been urged to exercise heightened caution following reports of a suspected criminal targeting hitchhikers in the area.

According to information received from Team Ngenelela, multiple complaints have been recorded involving a vehicle believed to be operating along the route, with incidents allegedly involving the theft of passengers’ belongings.

The first reported case involved a female hitchhiker who allegedly travelled from Standerton to a farm situated just before Balfour.

While details remain limited, the incident raised initial concerns about the driver’s conduct.

In a separate incident reported on April 13, a complainant alleged that they had hitchhiked from Volksrust en route to Johannesburg. It is claimed that upon reaching Balfour, the driver stopped the vehicle, indicated it had broken down, and asked the passenger to push-start it.

Once the vehicle reportedly restarted, the driver is alleged to have sped off, leaving the passenger behind without their personal belongings. It has further been reported that the suspect consistently instructs passengers to place their belongings in the vehicle’s boot, a practice now believed to form part of the alleged modus operandi.

Community safety structures and authorities attempted to trace the vehicle using CCTV footage obtained from a filling station in Meyerville. However, the footage reportedly did not clearly capture the registration number, hindering efforts to identify the suspect.

The vehicle has been described as a Toyota Corolla fitted with a black bumper.

Members of the public with information regarding the vehicle or the individual involved are urged to come forward.

Victims are also encouraged to open official cases with the SAPS should they experience similar incidents.