Bronkhorstspruit Police nab three for robbing hitchhikers
Later that day the same vehicle was apparently used in an armed robbery in Lanham Street in Bronkhorstspruit.
A hitchhiker was robbed near Riamar Park in Bronkhorstspruit at about 07:20 on Friday, August 19.
The man was at the four-stop seeking a lift towards Pretoria when a blue Ford Figo pulled up.
There were already three passengers in the car, but the victim still climbed in and the car drove off.
Along the way, the driver turned off in a different direction.
The hitchhiker asked the driver where they were going.
One of the other passengers pulled out a gun and pointed it at the victim. The driver then followed by taking out a knife.
The hitchhiker was robbed of his cellphone, wallet, bank card and jacket worth R4 000.
Later that day the same vehicle was used in an armed robbery in Lanham Street in Bronkhorstspruit.
This time a woman from Pretoria was dropped off by a taxi.
While waiting for transport, four people in a blue Ford Figo approached her.
One of the suspects pointed a gun at the woman and instructed her and a stranger standing next to her, to get inside the Ford.
The Ford Figo drove off.
This victim’s belongings were taken and she was later dropped off in the bushes at Ezemvelo.
A man contacted the police on August 25 and told them that he spotted the same blue Ford Figo at the Msada traffic lights.
The police acted swiftly and found the vehicle once again loading up hitchhikers.
The police apprehended the suspects and searched the vehicle. They found a pellet gun, a pocket knife and a golf club.
Three suspects were arrested for armed robbery.
The visible policing commander, Lieut-Col Sibonile Mlaba, applauded Sgt Naledzani Tshikumbu and Sgt Dintweng Mafuko from the Community Service Centre and sector teams for their swift and efficient action in effecting the arrest.
“The Bronkhorstspruit Police warn people to refrain from hitchhiking as it poses a danger to their lives.
“People are being robbed of their belongings while hitchhiking and it is not safe at all,” said Const Cathrine Ramovha, media spokesperson for the Bronkhorstspruit Police.
“We encourage people to rather use public transport. Several people have fallen victim to criminals while hitchhiking and some were even raped or murdered.”
Bronkhorstspruit Police ask anyone who has information on criminal activities in the area, to contact the police on 013 932 9222 or 013 932 9246.
