Amanzimtoti woman sounds warning after mugging
The incident left Giselle Halse with bruising on her arm and leg, as well as a hoarse voice from screaming.
AFTER falling victim to a roadside mugging on September 18, an Amanzimtoti businesswoman is cautioning motorists to be on high alert.
Also read: Business manager robbed in Doonside
Giselle Halse said she was coming from the Umbilo direction, travelling towards Edwin Swales Drive, when a man suddenly appeared at her window and demanded her cellphone and money.
“Next to me, I had a blanket I was crocheting, and he must have assumed I had my bag under it,” said Halse.
Her first instinct was to fight the man as he also grabbed what he could see from the window, including her cellphone.
“I fought and let out a scream, but people from the two or three cars in front of me did nothing. It was a man in a car further down the line who shot in the air as the thief fled with her cellphone, a bunch of keys, and other items, causing the thief to drop the phone and run. He ran away with the keys,” she said.
Halse said two other men joined the chase, but the culprit was able to run away. The incident left her with bruising on her arm and leg, as well as a hoarse voice from screaming. She has advised other motorists to be cautious and aware of their surroundings at all times, as thieves have been chased out of the Durban city centre and are now trying their luck elsewhere.
Halse discovered from the people who gave chase that the culprit is known in the area and has continuously evaded arrest.
“Something needs to be done. There needs to be patrols to make the road safe for drivers,” she said.
How not to become a victim of a traffic light robbery:
• Pay attention to people loitering around your car. The longer you are stationary, the greater the risk becomes.
• Before coming to a stop, check your surroundings for anyone or anything that looks out of place. Do not be afraid to make eye contact with the people around you.
• Do not allow yourself to be distracted when on the road.
• Keep your windows closed.
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