A report team of Beeld from the Pretoria office was hijacked by violent protesters on Wednesday morning on the way to Majakaneng, just outside Brits in the North West.
The journalists were on their way to do a report about violent protests.
Leanne George, crime reporter and Deaan Vivier, photographer were just outside the neighborhood when a man in a gray shirt and started clapping and beating against George’s door on the passenger side.
Leanne rushed to call the newsroom to ask for help, but only managed to shout a name before her phone went off.
Three or four men started to bang on Vivier’s door and forced him from the car with a knife.
They threatened us with a knife, but we’re okay,” said Vivier.
George’s door was then forced open and she was pulled out of the car.
“A guy got me from behind and grabbed me around the body”.
“I turned around with force got loose and ran into oncoming traffic” said a shocked George.
According to George a man in a silver car saw her running. “I only know his name as Solomon. He is an angel; he turned and came to help me. That’s when I ran into the field, “said George.
Solomon picked up George and Vivier and went to an intersection where there was traffic police.
A police woman picked them up and took them to the Mooinooi police station in North West.
Adriaan Basson, Beeld editor has expressed shock over the incident.
“It’s always a shock when crime affects people near you.”
We are incredibly thankful that Leanne and Deaan were not injured. It just shows that no one is immune to crime.
“We give our full support to the police and hope the hijackers are arrested soon,” said Basson.
Statements were made by the Beeld-team at the Mooinooi police station and all necessary arrangements have been made to bring them safely back to Pretoria.
Meanwhile the Beeld-car was also found by the Tracker tracking service in Rustenburg.
The police are investigating the case.
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