Woman fights off would-be hijacker

According to the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, she had just purchased liquor from the store and was escorted by a staff member to load it in her vehicle on Thursday. She climbed into her car and was about to drive away after putting her receipts into her bag when she noticed a man standing at her window, Highway Mail reported.

“He immediately opened my door, grabbed me by my jacket, pulling me out the vehicle, and threw me to the floor. He pushed me several times, stabbed me in the head with a pocket knife and punched my face. I screamed and tried to fight back,” she said.

It is alleged an unknown man managed to pull the suspect off her, which led bystanders, staff and security from Ultra Liquors to give chase. The suspect was eventually stopped by a driver who parked his car in front of him as he fled the scene, and the community was able to detain him until the police arrived.

The victim was rushed to Hillcrest Private Hospital.

Ultra Liquors manager Steven Baartman said the victim was a good client of theirs. “It’s rewarding to see the community stick together in times like these to stand up against crime.”

Pinetown police spokesperson Constable Phindile Radebe said the accused appeared in the Pinetown Magistrates’ Court today. The case was postponed until further notice.

In a separate incident, two would-be hijackers were shot dead after they allegedly tried to steal a vehicle on Ontdekkers Road in Roodepoort, Gauteng in April.

It is alleged two young women were travelling from Johannesburg to their homes in Randfontein. When they stopped at the intersection, four armed men approached them demanding their vehicle and valuables.

Another motorist saw what was happening and a shootout between the suspects and the motorist ensued. When the suspects tried to flee, the motorist shot dead two of the suspects. As the exchange of shots took place, the women sped off.

– Caxton News Service