Armed robbers attack Transnet foreman
Powerline worker stabbed by two crooks.
A TRANSNET electrical foreman was confronted and stabbed by two violent robbers on Wednesday morning while inspecting a power line between KwaDukuza (Stanger) and New Guerderland.
Empangeni resident Hans du Plessis was left stranded after the men ran off with his cell phone, wallet and bakkie keys.
The wounded and bloodstained victim had no choice but to walk a kilometre to the nearest sugarcane plantation where a sympathetic farmer finally came to his rescue.
Still traumatised on Friday, Du Plessis said he is lucky to be alive.
‘There must have been a guardian angel with me.
‘These men came out of the bush and stuck their knives at me, demanding I give them money.
‘I tried to grab one knife, but fell to the floor and a scuffle broke loose. I got cut twice on both arms and on my nose.
‘Then one of them ransacked my vehicle to get my keys, wallet and cell phone and made me get in the back of my vehicle, but he couldn’t get the canopy door locked.’
Finally the men left and Du Plessis found a farmer who phoned Transnet Freight Rail’s security and KwaDukuza SAPS.
He was taken to Netcare The Bay Hospital where he received treatment.
A case of robbery was opened.
‘This incident really affected me mentally,’ said Du Plessis.
‘At night I still see the aggression on those men’s faces with no one there to help.
‘After 32 years of working for Transnet, I’m now not sure I can carry on doing my job.
‘It’s very sad this is what our country has come to.’
KwaDukuza SAPS spokesperson Logan Naidoo said the area has seen a spate of robberies recently, including house and business burglaries.
Police have not yet arrested the two suspects.
