POLOKWANE – The Community Policing Forum (CPF) has renewed its call for residents to stop hitchhiking, following the recent imprisonment of two men who assaulted multiple women in 2016.
The forum, led by chairperson Frans Kgasago, has long warned against the dangers of accepting rides from unfamiliar motorists.
Despite these warnings, Kgasago stated that local forums still receive reports of such incidents weekly.
One case in 2016 involved a woman from a nearby village who was kidnapped while hitchhiking into the city.
She was robbed and threatened with death before being saved by a passerby.
The attackers, Andrew Monyaki (29) and Tshepang Sydwell Baholo (37), were responsible for abducting other victims, one of whom was raped and robbed.
Baholo was sentenced to 76 years in prison, including 30 years for two counts of rape and 36 years for aggravated robbery. Monyaki received a 15-year sentence for robbery and an additional five years for kidnapping.
Kgasago said that hitchhiking, although sometimes affordable, carries significant risks.
Popular hitchhiking spots including the N1 traffic circle, Market Street and Hospital Street continue to attract hitchhikers, despite the dangers.
Some hitchhikers cited cost-saving reasons for taking the risk, but Kgasago urged residents to prioritise their safety.
Taxi operators have previously warned about the risks, and the Transport Department has reiterated that hitchhiking, especially near taxi ranks, is illegal.
