A motorist who was driving to Toti to visit family had a narrow escape when she was accosted by thugs on the N2 after suffering a blowout on Sunday, 28 August.
Angela Randall’s tyre burst just after the Mobeni and Chatsworth turn-off.
I was hesitant to stop there, as that section of freeway is notorious for roadside muggings
A vehicle driving in the middle lane pulled over with her to assist. “I was hesitant to stop there, as that section of freeway is notorious for roadside muggings and attacks but the man was willing to assist me to change my tyre,” said Angela. “I had also phoned my brother, Richard Randall, who was on his way to ensure I was okay. Three men appeared out of nowhere within minutes and started to harass us, and started getting rough with the elderly gentleman, who I later found out was Tony Ellis.
I got into my car and locked the doors but they started smashing at my passenger window and trying to open the door.
Three men appeared out of nowhere within minutes and started to harass us
Tony shouted at me to drive off but I was reluctant as I would then leave him at risk, and it was because of me he had stopped. He insisted, while trying to push away one of the attackers.”
The third man tried to get into Tony’s vehicle where his wife was sitting and one attacker had managed to open Angela’s door.
“In my panic I somehow unlocked my doors but as he started to lean in, I drove off. Fortunately with my surfboard on the passenger seat, he could not get to me. I drove off with the attacker still half in my car and got away.
My tyre was severely damaged and on the rim, and my passenger door was open. I thought I would just drive until I found a petrol station, phone my brother to update him on my location and try to close my passenger door.
I saw a police car ahead of me on the turn-off to Umlazi that had driven past us on the freeway at the time of the incident.”
Angela followed the police car into Umlazi and Lamontville to where Metro Police members were stopping and checking vehicles.
She told them what had happened and they sent a vehicle back to the scene of the incident. “However, there was nothing to be found there, not even my spare tyre and jack. I was lucky to get away unharmed but I was worried I had not gotten the name of the couple who put themselves at risk to assist me.”
Through social media, Angela managed to track down her two ‘angels’.
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Roadside angels were heaven-sent
Tony and Carol Ellis of Queensburgh were robbed of their personal items by the three attackers, but managed to get away safely, with Angela’s spare tyre and jack. “I am so incredibly grateful to them, words cannot express my gratitude enough.
This incident has taught me a few things – there are still good humans out there like Tony and Carol Ellis; do not get out of your vehicle, no matter what the damage is; and no vehicle is worth risking your life for.
You can fix the damage and replace possessions, but not a life. Female drivers, keep a can of tyre weld and pepper spray in your vehicle, and never say “it won’t happen to me”. Be aware of where you are driving. I have since heard of bricks being thrown on that section of road on purpose to burst tyres and force people to stop.
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Thanks to the Isipingo Metro Police members who would not leave me until my vehicle had been sorted and my brother was with me. They were very comforting and concerned. To everybody who spread the word to help me find my two guardian angels, thank you. If there is anything anybody can do to assist them in getting their valuables replaced, I would greatly appreciate it.” To help, email angela@estands.co.za
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