An attempted armed robbery took place when several unknown robbers fired at a moving truck near Tasbet Park on the N12. The truck driver managed to escape without harm and reported the incident to the police. Steven Mabuza, the driver, recalled what happened on March 28 at 01:20.
He was driving from Johannesburg to Nelspruit on the N12 when he saw a vehicle flashing its lights behind him.
As he was trying to get a better look, someone in the vehicle fired a gun at him. He immediately realised what was happening and tried to speed up to get away.
As the vehicle overtook the truck to get in front of it, Mabuza saw that it was a black Volkswagen Golf with no number plate. Someone in the vehicle fired another shot at him, apparently trying force the truck off the road. When he approached the off-ramp onto OR Tambo Street he took it and drove straight to the police station.
The robbers stopped chasing him soon after that and escaped. The driver was not injured.
WITBANK NEWS has reported on several truck hijackings that have taken place on the N12 near the OR Tambo off-ramp. Police advise drivers to never stop next to the road for any reason within their control. They strongly urge motorists to not pick up hitchhikers either. These general tips for motorists can help lower the risk of robbery.