LIMPOPO – Siyandhani hiking spot on the R81 road that leads to Malamulele is once again under the spotlight following a hijacking that took place on Sunday afternoon around 16:00, only about 100m from the hiking spot.

A 19-year-old man from Xikukwani village allegedly encountered two men hitchhiking near the Xikukwani T-junction which connects to the R81 road, while he was on his way to Giyani CBD.

The young driver, travelling in his Polo Vivo, offered the two men a lift, assuming they would pay him for the ride since they were also heading to town.

However, the situation took a dangerous turn when the two men asked him to stop the car as they approached the town near Bekwa scrapyard, just about 100m from the Siyandhani hiking spot, an area notorious for criminal activities, including hijackings.

The men allegedly said they had reached their destination. However, when the driver stopped the car, expecting them to pay for the ride, they pointed guns at him and ordered him out of the vehicle.

They drove off with the victim’s cellphone which he left behind when he was forced out of the car.

The incident has caused concern among residents, especially given the frequent use of this route by locals heading to Malamulele and other neighbouring towns.

While the community calls for improved safety and vigilance in the area, the authorities are currently investigating the case of hijacking.

The popular hiking spot was previously also under the spotlight for robbery and hijacking activities. This latest incident has raised concerns about the safety of visitors and the security measures in place at the spot.

However, despite the unfortunate event, many continue to use the spot to get lifts to the towns of Malamulele and Thohoyandou.

When asked about measures being taken to ensure safety in the area, Giyani police spokesperson Sergeant Ridgewell Rikhotso said that efforts were underway to secure all hiking spots in Giyani.

“Our operations are not on just one location; we have ongoing efforts aimed at eliminating these crimes throughout Giyani,” he said.