.jpg "Limpopo Police Issue Urgent Warning as Hitchhiker Attacks Escalate")
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued a stern warning to the public following a sharp rise in criminal attacks targeting hitchhikers across the province.
In response to the alarming trend, a specialized task team has been assembled to investigate and dismantle the criminal networks behind these coordinated assaults. Authorities have noted a calculated modus operandi, with perpetrators systematically exploiting vulnerable road users.
A Pattern of Predatory Crime
“The safety of our communities remains our paramount concern,” stated Lieutenant General Hadebe. “We are witnessing a concerning pattern of premeditated attacks against innocent citizens who are simply seeking transportation. These criminals are deliberately targeting hitchhikers, and we will not tolerate this predatory behaviour.”
Recent incidents reported across the province include:
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Maake (7 June): A taxi driver was hijacked by suspects posing as passengers.
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Polokwane (10 June): A female hitchhiker was robbed at gunpoint by suspects driving a blue Volkswagen Polo.
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R71 (11 June): A male hitchhiker was robbed, forced to transfer money via electronic banking, and later abandoned near the Mall of the North.
Additional cases have been reported in Polokwane and Mankweng, heightening concerns over the brazen nature of these crimes.
Specialized Task Team Deployed
To combat the escalating threat, Provincial Commissioner Hadebe has authorized the immediate deployment of a multi-disciplinary task team, comprising seasoned detectives, intelligence operatives, and tactical response units. The team will focus on tracking and apprehending suspects while intensifying patrols in high-risk areas.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid hitchhiking and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
#SafetyFirst #ArriveAlive
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