Hitchhiking may be cheap but it is dangerous
Two unknown males approached him at a hiking spot on the N4 close to the Highveld Mall
Escaping the expensive public transport to cheaper hitchhiking will not help because hitchhikers are targeted by robbers.
Mr Michael Phiri was robbed of his belongings and left stranded while hitchhiking to Nelspruit around 19:30 in the evening on Friday, March 29.
Two unknown males approached him at a hiking spot on the N4 close to the Highveld Mall.
“They took out a gun and a knife when they got to me. They took everything I had with me, the shoes I was wearing, bag of clothes, cell phone and my cash of R3 500,” Mr Phiri explained.
The suspects ran away after taking his belongings and he was left stranded.
Mr Phiri said that he did not expect to be robbed and advised hitchhikers to be careful because some people pretend to be hitchhikers but they are robbers.
Captain Eddie Hall Witbank SAPS communication spokesperson said hitchhiking is not allowed at all.
“The Mpumalanga Road Traffic Department does not allow hitchhiking and people will get fines if found hitchhiking,” he highlighted
He advised people to use public transport and shy away from hitchhiking as it is dangerous too.
