Clarity of mind helps hijacked man escape unharmed

Colin ‘Ricky’ Michael was waiting to pick up his friend in South Coast Road, Mobeni at about 5.45pm when he was approached by two men, who appeared to be in their mid 20s and 30s. One of them pointed a gun at him through an open window and forced him to move to the back seat.

One the men sat with him in the back while the other drove off into Umlazi. Due to a ‘bumped’ clutch, the car became undrivable forcing them the park at the side of the road. They walked Colin to a footbridge and showed him a pathway to walk on to get to Chatsworth. Before his send-off, the men bought Colin a can of cool drink and gave him R10 of his own money to help him find his way. They then apologised to him.

“I expected to get shot, but God protected me and they did not lay a hand on me,” said Colin. “During the whole incident I was calm, I spoke to them normally. The incident pops into my head occasionally but it has not affected me negatively.” Colin was ushered by Wentworth police officers to the place where he had last seen his car. The car was no longer there, however, a search of the nearby area saw the car found close to the scene. The men took with them his wallet which had R400, CDs, his ID book, his children’s schoolbags and an USB stick.

“I’m appreciative to Wentworth SAP for helping me recover my vehicle, especially as it had no tracking device. I advise anyone in the same situation to be calm and not panic, so that you can think clearly about your next move.”

– mbalim@dbn.caxton.co.za