GQEBERHA – Police in Gqeberha are warning motorists not be naïve when confronted with unusual activities taking place on the verge (yellow line) of the road.
This warning follows after a driver and a friend were travelling on the Old Uitenhage Road, Coega (R334) on Tuesday, 10 August 2021 at about 15:00 when they noticed two persons pushing a red Opel Kadett in front of them. As the complainant approached the Opel Kadett, the men suddenly pushed the vehicle into the road thus blocking the complainant, and forcing him to stop in the middle of the road. Suddenly, three unknown suspects appeared from the bushes and joined the other two males. Two suspects were armed with firearms. They pulled the victims out of their car, took them to the bushes and tied them up. The suspects then removed their property (cellphones and bank cards) and three suspects then left with the victims bank cards to withdraw money. The two other suspects remained with the victims until their accomplices returned. The five suspects then left the victims in the bushes and drove off in the Opel Kadett.
The complainant waited a while until it was quiet and walked to the road to seek help. Swartkops SAPS detectives are investigating a case of armed robbery.
Police are urging motorists to always take note of their surroundings especially movements that take place on the verge (yellow line). Keep a safe distance so that if there is a sudden obstruction, there is enough time to speed away. Even though one might have good intentions to stop and assist, it is advised to weigh up the situation and instead rather alert the necessary authorities of any suspicious activity. Criminals intending to rob motorists often have decoys to lure motorists to stop. Always be on your guard.
Anyone who can assist police with their investigation in tracing the suspects is asked to contact D/Sergeant Martin Assia on 082 442 1683, SAPS Swartkops on 082 302 5807, Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station. All information is confidential and callers may remain anonymous.
Source: South African Police Service