One shot during alleged hijacking attempt after car broke down
A motorist warns fellow drivers after a hijacking attempt along Main Reef Road.
Motorists are travelling in fear following a botched hijacking attempt along Main Reef Road on July 5.
Conrad Gerber en Tonia Heuer were on their way back to Krugersdorp from Randfontein when their car broke down along Main Reef Road. Tonia then phoned family for help and unfortunately, when they arrived they discovered the car had to be towed and none of them had a rope. She accompanied them to get some rope and took their baby with her, while Conrad stayed in the car and left her cellphone with him.
About 10 minutes after they left, Conrad was approached by two armed men who demanded he open the car, which he refused. They then proceeded to tap against the window with their firearms, insisting he open it. When he again refused, one of the men shot at him.
Conrad explained they aimed for his chest, but when the man fired, he turned and was hit in the back of his shoulder.
“Luckily the bullet only grazed him,” Tonia said, “and didn’t cause any internal injuries. Somehow Conrad managed to grab the car keys and my cellphone before escaping from the car and running towards the housing complex nearby for help.”
She mentioned when he was running, the men tried to shoot him again, however, it was too dark for the hijackers to see and they luckily did not fire another shot.
Safely inside the housing complex, Conrad phoned his girlfriend.
Tonia explained her family went to the police and asked them to accompany them to the scene. She noted the police however did not take a statement from Conrad about the events.
She continued the incident happened between 19:00 and 20:00 and only Tonia’s wallet was stolen, which was still in the car. They also believed the hijackers tried to remove the car radio but failed.
Conrad explained his grazing wound still feels sensitive when he lies on it or turns his body a certain way, but the doctor did give him pain medication.
The police have not responded to the Randfontein Herald’s request for comment but as soon as comment is received an update will be given.
