Do not hitchhike police warns
Rather consider accessible options for hitchhiking. With a little patience, you will often be able to find at least one acceptable alternative to hitchhiking, such as reliable public transport.
A fatal shooting wherein two alleged robbers paid for their lives shone the spotlight on the dangers of hitchhiking.
The two men were fatally shot during a hitchhiking incident in Middelburg on November 30 as they reportedly robbed a 44-year-old man they gave a lift to.
Provincial police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli said the alleged robbers pretended to be assisting the hitchhiker by giving him a lift as they were driving a Hyundai Tucson SUV, whereas they intended to rob him.
Little did they know the hitchhiker was armed.
“The alleged suspects, armed with a knife, refused to drop him off at his destination. They instead held him hostage and robbed him of his cellphone and other personal belongings. One of the men is said to have robbed the victim of his bank card and demanded the PIN from the victim,” Mdhluli said.
The hitchhiker was told to stay in the vehicle with four of the alleged robbers while one walked to a nearby ATM to withdraw money.
“Shortly after one suspect left, the hitchhiker is said to have pulled out a firearm and fatally shot the driver and a passenger. The other two suspects then ran for their lives,” Mdhluli said.
One suspect was arrested on the scene, charged with robbery, and appeared before the Middelburg Magistrate’s Court on December 2.
The bail was denied, and the case was postponed until December 9 for a formal bail application.
A manhunt was launched for the other two suspects.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has spoken strongly against hitchhiking as it is dangerous for both motorists and those asking for lifts.
Captain Eddie Hall, police spokesperson, again urged people not to hitchhike, “We have had several cases reported at Witbank Police Station this year when hitchhiking turned into a traumatic experience. With the holiday season upon us, we want you to arrive at your destination safely. Use alternative transportation.”
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