An e-hailing trip turned into a nightmare when a father and his two young daughters were left stranded in a broken-down vehicle, robbed at gunpoint and later involved in a crash on the R300 near the Samora Machel and Watergate area on Saturday (May 2). 

The day started off on a high note for Randall Willemse (39) and his 11-year-old and 10-month-old daughters as they spent time with his mother in Manenberg while his wife was at work. 

Willemse attempted to book an e-hailing ride to his home in Delft at around 17:00 but no drivers accepted his request. 

“I waited almost two hours, and then my wife, who was already home from work, booked a trip on my behalf and we were picked up within 30 minutes. I checked the number plate to make sure we were in the correct vehicle and then got into the back seat with my children,” he explains. 

Car trouble 

Willemse adds that as they were approaching the R300, the car switched off. 

“I asked the driver what had happened and he replied that things were fine. He attempted to start the car, but it did not. We decided to push-start the car. I got out of the vehicle and pushed it. It started and we continued,” he says.  

However, moments later the car stalled again.  

“We were stuck and the driver used his app to request help. A man came to our aid and gave us a push. He told me this was a high-risk crime area and we could not just remain in the car,” he says. 

Willemse adds that they drove again for 1km when they got stuck for the third time.  

Robbery 

“I hoped we would get some help from the app as I was concerned about the safety of my children. I sent my location to my wife and brother-in-law, put my phone on silent and hid it under the seat,” he says. 

Within five minutes, Willemse says three armed men approached the car and demanded that they open the windows. 

“I was scared, but I did not want them to harm us, so I opened my window and so did the driver. They held guns to our heads and demanded our phones and money. This was done in full view of my daughter, while my baby was asleep. I told them I did not have any phones and I gave them my money,” he adds. 

Daughter praying 

“My daughter was seated close to me and I could feel her shivering, and I heard her praying. Moments later, the men left. The driver took out another phone he had hidden and tried to call for help, but the men returned. They stole the driver’s phone and the car radio,” says Willemse.  

He adds that about 30 minutes later his wife and brother-in-law arrived on the scene in two separate vehicles. 
 
His wife was accompanied by their neighbour and several men in the neighbour’s bakkie. 

Crash 

“We got into the back of the bakkie. I felt at ease because we were finally safe and could go home, but then out of nowhere, another car hit us,” explains Willemse.  

Using his body as a shield to protect the children, Willemse injured his head and suffered a dislocated shoulder.  

He was transported to hospital where he received 10 stitches. 

“I am just grateful my children were not hurt in this attack. My daughter is still shaken by the incident. As a father, I knew I had to remain calm so I could protect them,” he adds. 
 
His brother-in-law, Laverto Collins, says that after receiving messages from Willemse, he drove to the scene. 

“I could see how traumatised him and his daughter were. I was just happy they were okay. I left the scene because he was being taken home in the bakkie. I remember arriving home and getting a call from my sister telling me about the accident,” he says. 

Investigations 

Collins later returned to the scene and found Willemse ‘covered in blood’. 

“I could not believe what had happened. I am thankful they are doing well and making a recovery,” he adds. 

Constable Ndakhe Gwala, the spokesperson for the Western Cape police, says Samora Machel police are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving following a crash that occurred on the R300. 
 
She adds the incident left six victims injured and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. 
 
Gwala could not confirm the robbery. 

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