PINETOWN police have issued a warning for motorists to avoid stopping and getting out of the car in deserted areas.
Also read: Help Pinetown police identify unknown man
This warning follows an incident that took place on Friday, 7 June involving a woman who was driving on the N3 freeway towards Pietermaritzburg.
She stopped before the Mariannhill toll plaza to inspect a noise that came from the passenger side of her car.
“While she was inspecting her car she heard someone talking from behind her, when she looked she saw a man pointing a gun at her,” said Pinetown SAPS spokesperson, Cpt Bongumusa Manqele.
She was then robbed of her cellphone, driver’s licence and a petrol card.
A truck driver who was driving past assisted her in chasing the suspect away.
According to Manqele, the victim also noticed that there was another suspect who was in a Toyota Yaris with an unknown registration who fled the scene with her handbag while the armed suspect fled on foot.
A case of armed robbery was opened in Pinetown for investigation and the police would like to urge anyone who might have information to contact Pinetown SAPS on 031 325 5074/ Crime stop on 0860010111.
The police have also distanced themselves from a online message making the rounds on social media warning motorists about a new ‘magnet’ trick carjackers use to make you stop and inspect your car for them to then attack.
“We have not received any reports with this modus operandi,” said Manqele.
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