Police again issued a stern warning to motorists using the N12 not to pick up hitchhikers.
This after a 27-year-old hitchhiker turned out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Bekkersdal Police spokesperson Sergeant Linkie Lefakane explained the man was one of three occupants when police pulled over a seven-seater during a police operation on Sunday, August 15.
“Police stopped the vehicle intending to search the occupants as the N12 is one of the hotspots for hijackings,” Sergeant Lefakane said.
When police members searched one of the occupants, he resisted. It was also discovered that he was hitchhiking when the driver picked him up.
“When members noticed a firearm, the man attempted to flee into a nearby open veld. He fired two shots – one into the air and one at the officers.”
The man was arrested and charged with attempted murder as well as being in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. He is expected to appear in the Westonaria Magistrates’ Court soon.
“We have warned the public on numerous occasions about the dangers of picking up strangers on the N12, because it’s a hotspot for hijackings, robberies and rape. Once again, we are appealing to the public to refrain from stopping on the N12 and endangering their lives unnecessarily,” Sergeant Lefakane said, adding that people should not give strangers lifts on the road as their intentions are not known.
The Bekkersdal Police station commander Colonel Phumelelo Matamela commended the police for bringing the thug to book, and thanked the community of Zuurbekom for helping to arrest him.
“We must be vigilant at all times and react tactically to every criminal scene that plays out,” Matamela added.
