Criminals target hitchhikers
LIMPOPO – Following the escalation in criminal attacks targeting hitchhikers in the five districts of Limpopo province, the Provincial Commissioner of South African Police Service (SAPS), Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has called on members of the public to exercise caution.
General Hadebe pointed out that the safety of communities remains a paramount concern, citing that SAPS is witnessing a concerning pattern of premeditated attacks against innocent citizens who are simply seeking transportation.
Hadebe indicated that the involved criminals are deliberately targeting hitchhikers and SAPS would not tolerate the predatory behaviour of the perpetrators.
According to SAPS, several serious incidents have been reported across the Capricorn and Mopani districts within recent days.
In Polokwane, a man hitchhiking along the R71 Road near Spur was offered a lift to Phalaborwa by three suspects driving in a brown VW Polo.
After the motor vehicles deviated onto a gravel road, the victim was held at gunpoint, robbed of cash, cellphone as well as personal documents. He was also forced to transfer money via banking application and ultimately abandoned near Mall of the North.
Police stated that additional cases employing identical methodologies have been reported in Mankweng policing precinct, indicating a coordinated criminal network operating across districts’ boundaries.
Hadebe has authorised immediate deployment of a multi-disciplinary task team comprising of seasoned investigators, intelligence operatives and tactical response units in response to the escalating threat.
The police said the specialised team is expected to coordinate operations across affected districts to identify, track and apprehend all suspects involved in the crimes.
Hadebe highlighted that community safety requires collective responsibility, urging all citizens to prioritise their personal security by making informed transportation choices and remaining vigilant.
