MUST READ: Prostitutes allegedly harass motorists

While the four suspects were walking with him towards the ATM, the victim took the opportunity to run back to his car.

October 2, 2017

Quinton Boucher 2 minutes read

Three prostitutes and an alleged cross-dresser recently tried to rob an unsuspecting motorist.

When he exited his car to buy takeaways, a motorist never imagined he would be accosted by three women and a man.

Yet, on September 11, this is exactly what happened to the unsuspecting Newcastillian.

“He is a client of ours and was on his way to a local restaurant on the night of the incident. When he stopped at the Paterson Street and Voortrekker Road intersection, three women and a man jumped into his car,” confirmed Seshni Jacobs of Two Eagles Security.

The four suspects demanded he hand over cash to them. When he refused and threatened to drive to the police station, the perpetrators allegedly told the victim they would open a case of assault and rape against him.

“He got scared and said he only had R400 on him. They said it was not enough and he would have to go to a nearby ATM,” explained Mark Jacobs, owner of Two Eagles Security.

Fearing the worst, the victim drove to the ATMs on Voortrekker Road.

“He took out his petrol card with the intention of bluffing the would-be criminals, but they made him take out the correct card and go back to the machine,” explained Mrs Jacobs.

Three of the perpetrators said they would accompany the motorist to the machine to ensure he withdrew the cash, while the fourth suspect waited in the car.

“He told them they should all go with him or he would not go at all,” Mrs Jacobs added.

While the four suspects were walking with him towards the ATM, the victim took the opportunity to run back to his car.

“He then drove away, with one of the perpetrators holding onto his car. The suspect eventually fell off and the victim managed to escape,” said Mrs Jacobs.

While the victim escaped, Mr Jacobs was concerned about the incident.

“This is not the first time something like this has happened. A few months ago, another one of my clients experienced the same problem.”

Mr Jacobs believed the police needed to take steps to ensure Newcastillians were safe from ‘prostitutes’ and ATM thieves.

“This could happen to anyone. What if they had jumped in a woman’s car?”

Newcastle SAPS Corporate Communications and Liaison Officer, Captain Jabulani Ncube said he condemned the way prostitutes were behaving.

“We need to look at increasing police patrols in the area, as well as getting social workers and the Social Crime Prevention Unit involved,” he said.

While Captain Ncube said the police would address the issue, he added the SAPS did face certain problems with regards to prostitution.

“It has to be proved the women are prostitutes and payment was made. But it is concerning these women are harassing people. People should not have to avoid certain streets.”

Captain Ncube encouraged residents to report similar incidents to the SAPS. “It is important to go straight to the police station, as what they are doing is a crime,” he concluded.