Drivers of delivery trucks fear more hijackings

Drivers and owners of delivery vehicles in Thohoyandou are becoming increasingly uneasy, following a series of hijacking incidents. The drivers are targeted when they collect goods from major hardware stores in Thohoyandou and venture out for deliveries.

In a recent incident, a 63-year-old victim was approached by an unknown man who requested transport to deliver two boxes of tiles to Hamavhunda. A fee of R250 was agreed upon, and the two drove to the village, where they met two other men. The men pretended to offload the tiles but then attacked the driver. The victim was taken to an unfinished house, where he was tied up with ropes before the men fled in the Toyota Hilux. The incident occurred on Friday, 19 April, between 10:00 and 11:00 and has instilled fear among goods transporters.

“We are no longer safe in this industry. One never knows who the real customer is or not. Crime is confronting us from all fronts, and we are operating in fear. Ours was once the safest sector, but today you are never sure whether you will go back home or still have your car at the end of business,” said one operator who preferred anonymity.

Vhembe SAPS spokesperson W/O Vuledzani Dathi confirmed the incident, stating that they had opened a carjacking docket. “The 63-year-old, upon arrival at the village, was met by two other men who robbed him of his vehicle after tying him up with ropes. The unknown suspects also robbed the victim of his two cellphones, sandals, driver's license, and an identity document,” Dathi said.

Mr Richard Ramabulana of the Vhembe Concerned Group, an organisation fighting crime in Vhembe, urged those in the transport sector to be extra vigilant when accepting offers to transport goods and people. “On a daily basis, we hear of such crimes where drivers end up being robbed of their vehicles and cash. Particulars of the client should be taken as a precaution,” he said. Meanwhile, police have launched a manhunt for the unknown suspects. The bakkie's registration number is DNC006L.

Any information that can assist the police in locating the suspects can be directed to the investigating officer, Sgt Freddy Manyaga, at 082 883 9742.

Date:25 April 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

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