Two men were shot and killed, allegedly by a hitchhiker, in Middelburg, Mpumalanga, on Saturday night.

According to a press release issued by the SAPS, numerous suspects allegedly robbed a man (44) after giving him a lift at about 23:15.

According to an article published by Middelburg Observer, the alleged robbers, driving a Hyundai Tucson SUV, did not know the hitchhiker was armed.

The robbers had a knife and refused to drop the hitchhiker off at his destination.

They held him hostage and robbed him of his cellphone and other belongings. One of the men is said to have taken the victim’s bank card and demanded the pin.

One of the suspects walked to a filling station ATM, while the hitchhiker was forced to stay in the car with the other suspects.

Shortly after the robber got out of the car, the hitchhiker allegedly pulled out a firearm and fatally shot the driver and a passenger. The other two suspects ran away.

The hitchhiker immediately went to the nearby filling station to request assistance and the police were called. Security officers also assisted.

When police arrived, they arrested one suspect who returned to the scene after running away. He is a Zimbabwean national and the owner of the vehicle.

He was charged with robbery and is expected to appear in the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court soon.

The preliminary investigation indicates that the confiscated firearm belongs to the hitchhiker.

Investigators are working with the Department of Home Affairs to ascertain the status of the Zimbabwean national.

The two deceased have not yet been identified.

SAPS acting provincial commissioner Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi has warned that hitchhiking is dangerous for motorists and hitchhikers.