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The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has issued an urgent warning to the public following a disturbing escalation in criminal attacks, specifically targeting hitchhikers across the province.
A specialized task team has been established, dedicated to investigating and apprehending suspects involved in these coordinated attacks, which have demonstrated a consistent and calculated modus operandi designed to exploit vulnerable road users.
"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."
Recently reported incidents:
•Maake (7 June): A taxi driver was hijacked by suspects pretending to be passengers.
•Polokwane (10 June): A female hitchhiker was robbed at gunpoint by suspects in a blue Polo.
•R71 (11 June): A male hitchhiker was robbed and forced to transfer money before being dumped near the Mall of the North.
More cases have been reported in Polokwane and Mankweng.
In response to this escalating threat, Provincial Commissioner Hadebe has authorized the immediate deployment of a multi-disciplinary task team comprising seasoned investigators, intelligence operatives, and tactical response units.
This specialized team will coordinate operations across affected districts to identify, track, and apprehend all suspects involved in these crimes. Avoid hitchhiking and report suspicious activity immediately.#SafetyFirst #ArriveAlive