Motorist hijacked, robbed by hikers

Share the Article:

A 34-year-old motorist was hijacked, kidnapped and robbed of valuable items at gunpoint on R34 road near K6 section of Kutloanong, Odendaalsrus on Friday afternoon.

Suspects made way with his wallet containing drivers’ license, ID smart card, medical aid card, University of Johannesburg student card, wedding ring valued R13 000 and vehicle worth R120 000.

The man from Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg was traveling with his silver Volkswagen Polo with when he allegedly stopped at a hiking spot, police confirmed.

According to police spokesperson Captain Stephen Thakeng, he was approached by two unknown African males who asked for a hike to Sebokeng.

“He was then pointed with a firearm and forced to get inside his vehicle. The suspect with a firearm was sitting at the back seat while the assailant without a firearm was sitting on the front passenger seat.

“He drove until Kroonstad where he was instructed to pull over to park beside the road and was tied up both his hands and forced inside the boot of his vehicle.

“They made a u-turn towards Kutloanong near the graveyard and taken out of the boot. One shot was fired and he was abandoned there. The two suspects sped off with his vehicle to unknown destination,” he explained.

Thakeng stated that he managed to untie himself and stopped the passing vehicle and was taken to Odendaalsrus police station to lay a charge in the evening on the same day of the incident.

ALSO READ | Manhunt launched after a hitchhiker robbed

A case of car-jacking, kidnaping, attempted murder were registered for further investigation.

Thakeng further warned motorists not to give lift to anyone to curb these carjacking, robberies and rape of victims.

He added; “Even the hikers should not enter into vehicles they do not know.”

Meanwhile, a 19-year-old suspect was arrested for illegal possession of live ammunition on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Thabo Covane said members of Visible Policing Unit Parkweg were busy executing operational actions Operation Shanela when they came across the African male at Bastion Plain and conducted a search on him.

“Eighteen AK-47/ R1 rifle live ammunition rounds were found on suspect. The suspect was then arrested and a case of Illegal possession of ammunition was opened at Parkweg police station.

“The suspect will appear in Bloemfontein magistrates’ court on Monday,” he concluded.