This comes after a 39-year-old man was robbed of cash and bank cards in Tzaneen on Tuesday 25 June.
Police spokesperson, Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said that the man was hitchhiking at about 14:00 at a popular hiking spot outside Tzaneen CBD, along the R71 road to Polokwane, when he was offered a lift by people traveling in a Blue VW Golf with three occupants.
Read: Tzaneen: Hitchhiker robbed and assaulted
“On the way, the car took a detour. When the hitchhiker inquired as to why they went off the main road, the men stated that they were going to buy vegetables. One of the men then pointed a firearm at the hitchhiker and robbed him of money and his bank cards. The three men then assaulted him demanding that he discloses his pin code. His cards were shortly thereafter used at a nearby grocery store,” said Ngoepe.
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Members of the community are urged not to ask for lifts from strangers when undertaking any trip because that may endanger their lives.
Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of these attackers may contact Captain Richard Boshomane on 079-894-5501 or the crime stop number 08600-10111 or report to the nearest police station.
While admitting that hitchhiking is risky, some people found at a hiking spot on R71 just outside the CBD said they prefer to ride in private cars, as it is cheaper and faster than minibus taxis boarded at the taxi rank.
“It takes a long time for a minibus to become full with passengers and the fares are very high,” said one hitchhiker who spoke on condition of anonymity.
