SAPS warn hitch-hikers in Mbombela to be vigilant

The Nelspruit SAPS are concerned about the increasing number of criminal cases opened against individuals driving in a grey Toyota Avanza targeting hitch-hikers in and around the city. It is alleged the criminals go around town operating as a normal meter taxi, only to rob unsuspecting passengers of their belongings.

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“The criminals pick up hitch-hikers from hiking spots and drive them to secluded spots or bushes, where they normally threaten them with a firearm or any other dangerous weapons, and rob them of their belongings,” explained Capt Zandile Gqawa, spokesperson for the police station. Gqawa mentioned that most of the complaints lodged by victims at the station feature three suspects in a grey Avanza with no registration number robbing them.

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On March 29 at about 19:00, a 19-year-old woman reported that she had been threatened with a knife after having been offered a lift by the driver of this vehicle. She was robbed of her bag, laptop, camera and other belongings. “The police are investigating a case of a robbery with a weapon. No arrests have been made as yet,” Gqawa said. Gen Dorah Xaba, the local station commander, requests members of the community to always be vigilant and not to get into vehicles they do not know. She advised the community to rather use formal ways of transport, as hitch-hiking itself has proven to be dangerous.

Anyone with information about these suspects is urged to contact Det Col Ernest Maoka on 082-318-9843 or the toll-free Crime Stop number on 08600-10111. Alternatively they can send information via the My SAPS app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone. All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality and callers may opt to remain anonymous.