Thugs target hitch-hikers
There has been an increase in incidents of people being robbed of their belongings while hitchhiking in and around the city.
MBOMBELA – There has been an increase in incidents of people being robbed of their belongings while hitchhiking in and around the city.
Recently a woman in her early thirties, who is known to this publication, also became a victim. She was hiking on the N4 Road from Nelspruit to Pretoria when she was offered a lift. The occupants of the vehicle however pointed a firearm at her and demanded all her belongings.
“I did what I was told and consider myself lucky that they didn’t force me into the car,” said the traumatised woman who cannot be named to protect her identity. Talking to some of the hitchhikers near the bus stop on the R40, they said public transport to Barberton and other places were not reliable, hence they opted to hike to reach their destinations on time.
They said the situation left them with no choice but to rely on lifts as it was easy transport.
Some added they were aware of the risk they took when they begged for lifts.
One of them, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “We don’t do it because we like it but because we have to. Public transport is not very reliable.”
Mr Mandla Matsebula of Barberton said, “Hiking is dangerous but on the other hand, it is cheap and reliable compared to taxis.”
Some of them said they were always ready for any eventuality. “Danger is everywhere and when it’s your time, you can’t run away from it.
I hike every time when going back to eLukwatini,” said Ms Lorraine Mathabela. Motorists who offered lifts to hitchhikers said they were also aware of the risk they were taking.
“It is risky for both motorists and hitchhikers. I offer lifts to people because I am a considerate person. However, taxi owners don’t offer commuters proper and reliable transport to their respective places,” said Lucky Manana.
Brig Selvy Mohlala, provincial police spokesperson, said even though hitchhiking is not against the law, individuals needed to be very careful because they could be putting their lives at risk.
“It’s true that people hike because of a number of reasons. However, they need to be extra careful when asking for lifts from motorists because you never know who to trust,” he said.
He also urged hitchhikers to record the registration of the vehicle just in case. He added they should try to get the name of the driver in order to identify him or her if the need arises and should immediately report any incidents to the police.
lifts are dangerous it happened to me on june 28 from barberton to nelspruit around 18:30 as usually after work i go to da hiking spot but that saterday was different because i didnt reach my destiny they took everything my cell phones,wallet,my work file luckily i wasnt hurt simple because i did wath dey told me to do i was left between hilltop and noordkap and it was dark..people must be careful…i didnt have a chance to take da car’s registration number but it was a white vw polo with a GP registration number and due to technology one of my phone tells me that it at Gutshwa.