It is alleged that people give vulnerable people lifts only to stop in the middle of nowhere and rob them of their properties. They are said to be driving a private vehicle or a Sedan
Giyani police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Thomas Makhubele, said they are aware of such incidents and they have tried everything in their powers to create awareness. “We have warned our people several times, we even approached radio stations so that the message could reach a larger audience,” said Makhubele.
Makhubele emphasised that people should travel in groups or use public transport.
One of the victims, Anna Rikhotso said it happened to her when she hitchhiked from Ndhambhi village to Giyani last Monday. “They threw me out of the car and took my bag, my money and bank cards, they then threw my bag in the bushes. I later did a sim swap and received notifications from my phone, it looks like they were trying to withdraw my money,” she said.
She said they even transferred her airtime to their cell phone. “I opened a case at Giyani police station the very same day and although I did not memorise the car registration number I can identify the suspect,” said Rikhotso.
Another victim, Sharon Nkuna said the suspect ordered her and two others to get out of the car. “At first we thought he was joking because he was friendly and making small conversations with us. When he noticed we did not take him serious he took out a gun and said we must get off empty handed,” said Nkuna.
She said they opened a case and they are still waiting for the feedback.
