In three recent cases, armed robbers targeted victims who were unsuspecting and going about their day.

In three of the reported cases, the victims were hitchhiking on the main roadways when they were robbed.

A fellow resident was standing at the N4/N12 splitway in the evening hours trying to get a lift when a brown Audi stopped next to him.

The resident, thinking it was a kind-hearted person offering a lift was in for a big shock when that was not the case.

The resident said that an unknown male got out of the vehicle and forcefully dragged the victim into the vehicle.

The vehicle then sped off with the assailants and the victim.

The alleged robber then proceeded to hit the victim in the head with the firearm.

The robbers then took all the victim’s belongings and left him not so far from where he was abducted.

Investigations are still ongoing.

Another robbery took place yet again at the exact spot on the highway at the N4 and N12 split.

On 11 August a resident and his girlfriend were standing at the road split when things took a turn for the worse.

The victims said that whilst standing trying to get a lift they were approached by a few unknown persons.

The victim said that he could not see how many there were.

One of the unknown men then took out a firearm and pushed the victim into a nearby bush.

Another alleged robber took the other victim to a separate area where she was also searched and threatened by a firearm.

Both victims were stripped of their belongings including shoes and clothes and one laptop.

The unknown assailants then left without a trace.

In the last case, on August 12 in the early morning hours, an unsuspecting victim on his way to work was approached by two unknown males.

The victim described the moment saying that the two robbers came up behind him.

He also stated that one of the alleged robbers pointed a firearm at the victim holding it against his back.

The robbers demanded all of the victim’s belongings of value on his person.

The victim only had his cell phone and handed it over in fear of being shot.

The two robbers then fled on foot without a trace.

According to the South African Police Service website, people are warned to be crime-conscious and aware of crime opportunities at all times.

Here are some helpful tips;

Never walk alone and do not talk to strangers.

Be on the lookout for strange cars or people.

Walk in well-lit streets and a group, if possible.

Be sure that you know all the emergency numbers.

Always let somebody know where you are going and how long you’ll be.

Trust your instinct.

Avoid going into a congested street where you cannot even walk properly, that is where you will find criminals pickpocketing.

Avoid displaying valuables where criminals can see them.

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