Hitchhiker kills one alleged robber and puts two others in hospital

Gauteng police have arrested two suspects, while a third suspect was fatally shot during an alleged armed robbery of a hitchhiker at Suikerbosrand along the R550 on Friday.

It is reported that a man was hitchhiking on the N3 in Vosloorus when he accepted a lift from three occupants in a red VW Polo.

Once he was in the car, the driver took a detour and two passengers pulled out knives, demanding money. They searched the hitchhiker and took some cash.

He then pulled out a gun and shot at the suspects. One was fatally wounded, while the other two were seriously injured and rushed to hospital.

“Two of the suspects were immediately arrested and are under police guard in hospital and the third one was declared dead on the scene.

“A case of armed robbery and an inquest has been opened for further investigations,” said police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.

Hitchhikers turned robbers

Last month, a man was hijacked in Carletonville, Gauteng, when he offered a lift to two men who wanted a ride to a shopping centre.

According to the Carletonville Herald, when they arrived at their destination, the hitchhikers pulled a gun on the driver, forced him out of his car and drove away.

ALSO READ: Limpopo taxi driver hijacked by hitchhikers

Tips from police

In a safety alert, police have cautioned about picking up hitchhikers on the side of the road.

Among the tips shared are:

1. Plan your route beforehand and, as far as possible, do not ask directions from strangers;
2. Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers, especially when driving alone;
3. Avoid travelling alone at night and stay away from dark, isolated areas;
4. Refrain from stopping near hijacking hotspots or secluded areas;
5. If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice and help; and
6. Keep the doors locked and wind the windows up at all times.

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