The driver allegedly deviated from the route and took a road towards the industrial area. He stopped the vehicle, threatened her with a firearm, and tied her up with ropes. He then raped her and robbed her of money in her handbag. He took a photo of the victim and drove off leaving the victim at the scene. Police were alerted and a case of rape and robbery was opened.

The police have warned residents against hitchhiking after an alarming increase in the number of hitchhiking crimes reported throughout Limpopo in recent weeks. According to Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu, spokesperson for the police in Tzaneen, hitchhikers who are given lifts are often robbed of their belongings and money. Nkhwashu added that most of the crimes occur on the R71 road, either travelling to and from Tzaneen, Polokwane, Giyani, Hoedspruit, or Phalaborwa.

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He said it is believed that syndicates are responsible for the crimes. They are believed to have people at hiking spots identifying potential victims. “These people usually approach the unsuspecting hitchhikers, asking them where they are going and trying to find out if they have any valuable items and money on them.

“The syndicates have developed new ways of robbing people; they now have electronic card vendor machines and force their victims to make payments into their accounts. The police are appealing to anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact Lt Col Mathebula at 082 469 1240, or the nearest police station or use the MySAPSApp anonymously. The police investigation is ongoing.