R71 possible new hijacking hotspot
The traffic circle and intersection on the R71 at Dalmada just outside the city has apparently become a new hotspot for criminals following two reported incidents of drivers having been hijacked by armed suspects in the area on the weekend. In both instances the hijackers allegedly dropped off their victims somewhere else before fleeing with …
The traffic circle and intersection on the R71 at Dalmada just outside the city has apparently become a new hotspot for criminals following two reported incidents of drivers having been hijacked by armed suspects in the area on the weekend.
In both instances the hijackers allegedly dropped off their victims somewhere else before fleeing with their vehicles and personal belongings. One victim was reportedly gagged with a cloth seemingly drenched in some sort of chemical that caused him to lose consciousness. He only woke up the next morning in an unfamiliar location.
According to information a truck driver approached the traffic circle at about 16:00 on Saturday when the driver of a Volkswagen Polo suddenly stopped in front of him causing him to bump slightly into the rear of the vehicle. Four suspects emerged from the Polo and the victim also exited the truck.
It was learnt that two of the suspects allegedly produced firearms and forced the driver back into the truck ordering him to drive in the direction of Lebowakgomo while accompanied by two suspects. The other two suspects followed in the Polo.
Along the road the truck driver was ordered to stop and forced into the boot of the Polo. He was reportedly gagged with a wet cloth where after he lost consciousness.
According to information the victim woke up and he realised that his hands had been tied behind his back. He then started screaming until a cattle herder came to his rescue and accompanied him to the Lebowakgomo Police Station where he reported the incident.
The second incident occurred at about 05:40 on Sunday when the driver of a Toyota Quantum stopped at the red traffic light at the Dalmada turn-off and was approached by a person pretending to sell cigarettes.
When the driver indicated that he was not interested in buying cigarettes the person broke one of the rear windows of the vehicle. When the driver exited the vehicle the suspect confronted him with a firearm.
A second suspect allegedly then joined the scene, forced the driver back into his vehicle and drove off. The victim was dropped in the Matlala area where an unknown man assisted him to get to Polokwane Police Station for assistance.
Provincial Police Spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe, despite being provided with case numbers on Monday already, had at the time of going to print not responded to inquiries.
Story: RC Myburgh
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