Man (44) robbed and threatened after hitchhiking on the N1 South, outside Polokwane
The three suspects demanded the man's bank cards and pin codes and the cards were used at various retail stores in Polokwane, shortly after.
POLOKWANE – Limpopo police say they will continue the fight against criminal syndicates aimed atrobbing innocent citizens of their belongings, following two robbery incidents outside Polokwane and in Tzaneen on Tuesday, 25 June.
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In the Westenburg policing area, outside Polokwane, a 44-year-old man was robbed by three unknown suspects, whom he hitchhiked with along the N1 South road, travelling to Zebediela.
Police spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe reports that while on the way, the suspects demanded money from the victim and threatened to kill him if he failed to provide his bank cards pin codes.
“Within a short space of time, the cards were used at various retail stores around Polokwane,” Ngoepe added.
In the second incident, a 39-year-old man was also robbed in a similar incident along the R71, outside Tzaneen. Ngoepe explains that the man was hitchhiking at a hiking spot outside the Tzaneen CBD, when he was offered a lift by unknown people traveling in a Blue VW Golf with three occupants.
“On the way, this car took a secluded road claiming that they were going to buy vegetables. The victim was then pointed with a firearm and robbed of cash and bank cards. They then assaulted him, demanding his bank card’s pins and his cards were also used at a store in the area within a short space of time. ”
Ngoepe added that commuters are urged not to ask for transportation from strangers when undertaking any trip because that may endanger their lives and lead to these type of robberies.
“Anyone with information that can lead to the arrest of these group of criminals may contact Captain Richard Boshomane at 079 894 5501; the crime stop number 0860010111 or the nearest police station,” his statement concluded.
