Hitchhikers assaulted, robbed, and raped in Mbombela
Mpumalanga police reminded the public of how dangerous hitchhiking is, advising residents to use public transport instead.
File Photo. Hitchhikers on the R40.
According to police, the couple was offered a lift by a driver of a black Volkswagen Golf sedan on Monday evening. They were destined for Kabokweni, near White River. However, the driver diverted his vehicle to the Sabie-Lydenburg road and stopped at nearby bushes, reports Mpumalanga News.
He threatened them with a firearm and robbed them of their cell phones, money, bank cards and shoes. He then tied the man to a tree and raped the woman.
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Police request anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect to contact Detective Col Ernest Maoka at 082 318 9843 or the SAPS Crime Stop number, 08 600 10111.
Lt Gen Mondli Zuma cautioned the community against hitchhiking. “Hitchhiking is very risky, it is dangerous and can lead to victims being kidnapped, raped, and even killed. Accepting lifts from unknown people must come to an end. It is advisable to use public transport and where possible, travel early, while there is still light in order to avoid problems.”
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