‘Hell’ highway claims another victim

TRAVELLING on the N2, especially near Umgababa, is truly like running a gauntlet with yet another motorist careering into a blockade recently.

Dave Geils was passing Umgababa about 4.30am last Thursday to catch a 6am flight at King Shaka International Airport when his SUV hit one of two large building blocks in the road.

It completely shattered one of his rims. His calls to his motor dealer’s 24-hour emergency service number just went to voice mail (another sore point) so he had to get out of the vehicle to try to change the wheel himself. Not an easy job, as he had come to a stop in a tricky spot.

While he was battling to get the jack under the car, he was suddenly attacked from behind by three men. They kicked and punched him, demanding he hand over all his possessions.

“There was no point in retaliating so I just gave them everything – my cellphone, wallet, laptop and overnight bag,” said Mr Geils.

Ironically, his compliance paid off. They took the cash out of his wallet and handed it back with his cards and licence before fleeing into the darkness.

Mr Geils was full of praise for a SAPS vehicle which was travelling south. They saw something was wrong and did a U-turn to help him lift the car and change the wheel, but the assailants were long gone.

“Luckily, I wasn’t badly injured, but I want to warn people that this highway is extremely dangerous, especially all hours of the night,” he said.

He also said SAPS and traffic authorities should seriously consider increasing highway patrols.

“Years ago, there were even military patrols on this road, but then there was also political turmoil.”

Mr Geils also phoned the crime stop number, 086 0010111, but in vain. He conceded he might have left out a digit.
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