A 35-year-old man appeared in the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court on charges of robbery and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The spokesperson for the Bedfordview SAPS, Warrant Officer Mduduzi Nhlabathi, said the suspect and an accomplice approached their victim who was parked along the N3 South highway.
“The victim’s car was stuck and he was waiting for roadside assistance when the two men approached and asked if he had a problem. While he was telling them about his car they started demanding his belongings,” he said.
W/O Nhlabathi said the suspects broke the car’s windows and also stabbed the victim’s girlfriend, who was with him in the car.
“The victim exited the car to chase the suspects when a patrolling police car arrived. The officers gave chase and caught one of the men. The other is still at large,” said W/O Nhlabathi.
He said the suspects took a handbag and cellular phones.
The suspect was remanded in custody pending further investigation.
W/O Nhlabathi said the highways are a hotspot for similar crimes.
“Our officers are hard at work to rid these areas of the criminal element, but we also ask our people to be extra careful when driving through these areas. Should you get stuck, don’t accept help from strangers,” he said.
In July, three homeless men were arrested in the area for crimes committed along the highways.
The crimes ranged from rape, attempted murder, possession of a dangerous weapon and suspected stolen goods.
