Hitchhiker falls victim to armed robbers amid growing crime trend
An armed robbery at the N4/N12 split has raised fresh concerns over hitchhiker safety in eMalahleni.
Police are investigating an armed robbery after a hitchhiker was allegedly targeted by two men while waiting for transport near the N4/N12 split over the weekend.
According to police, the victim was hitchhiking when he was approached by two men. One of them allegedly pointed a firearm at him while the second man was armed with a knife.
The suspects reportedly demanded valuables before robbing the victim of his cellphone. They fled the scene and remain at large.
Multiple robberies reported across eMalahleni
The latest incident comes amid ongoing warnings from police about the dangers facing hitchhikers and pedestrians, particularly in and around eMalahleni, where several similar robberies have been reported in July, August and September.
On August 28, a man who accepted a lift from strangers was allegedly robbed at gunpoint after getting into a vehicle in Clewer. The suspects reportedly stole his cellphone, cash, identification documents and other belongings before forcing him out of the vehicle and fleeing.
In a separate case on August 30 in Kwa-Guqa, a pedestrian was allegedly robbed by armed suspects who forced him into a vehicle before abandoning him elsewhere.
Another victim endured an even more harrowing ordeal after accepting a lift along the R555 on August 22. According to police, the man was allegedly kidnapped, tied up and transported to Pretoria, where suspects demanded money before eventually releasing him.
Police have also investigated a case involving a group of friends who were robbed at gunpoint after accepting a lift while hitchhiking to Kwa-Guqa on July 11.
READ MORE: Hitchhikers robbed at gunpoint on R555
Police urge commuters to use public transport
The recurring nature of these crimes has prompted police to intensify warnings to residents. Police have repeatedly urged members of the public to avoid hitchhiking or accepting lifts from strangers, saying criminals often prey on individuals who are isolated and reliant on transport.
Authorities have encouraged commuters to make use of reliable public transport where possible and to remain vigilant when travelling, particularly during early morning or late evening hours.
The investigations into all the cases are ongoing, and anyone with information that could assist police in identifying the suspects is urged to contact their nearest police station. Alternatively, they can contact Witbank SAPS on 079 891 5570 or Crime Stop on 086 001 0111.
READ MORE: eMalahleni hitchhiker’s ride turns into Pretoria terror
Police continue to caution residents that while hitchhiking may appear to be a convenient and cost-effective travel option, it can expose commuters to serious risks, including robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
An eMalahleni house robbery is under investigation after suspects allegedly forced victims to access banking applications, searched for a firearm, and fled with stolen property and a vehicle.
— WitbankNews (@WitbankN) September 14, 2026
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