…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
Hijacked, handcuffed, and confined to the back of the vehicle, a cadet inspector from the Cape of Good Hope SPCA bravely kicked at the bakkie’s tailgate until it opened and jumped from the moving vehicle into the street.
This incident occurred in Khayelitsha on Tuesday, 13 June, when the SPCA vehicle he was driving was intercepted by six armed men.
SPCA Chief Inspector Raises Concerns
Chief Inspector Jaco Pieterse expresses alarm over the incident, emphasizing the significant risks faced by SPCA inspectors in carrying out their animal rescue work.
He highlights that this is not an isolated occurrence, citing previous hijackings and attempted hijackings in the past year.
Harrowing Experience Described by the Inspector
Inspector Nkosi Sindiwe recounts the details of the hijacking incident.
He recalls driving in Khayelitsha at approximately 19:30 on Tuesday when two vehicles blocked the road, and six armed men emerged.
With two men on each side of the vehicle, they forcefully banged on the driver’s window with a gun, leaving Sindiwe with no choice but to open the door to prevent harm.
Despite his attempt to save the vehicle by turning it off, the hijackers demanded his cooperation and forced him to show them how to start the bakkie.
Robbery and Escape Efforts
After being robbed of his wallet and cellphone, Sindiwe was handcuffed and thrown into the back of the bakkie.
Realizing the gravity of the situation, he courageously kicked at the tailgate and canopy lock, eventually breaking free from the moving vehicle and landing on the road, injured and still handcuffed.
In a stroke of luck, a compassionate passerby heard his cries for help and quickly came to his aid.
Good Samaritan’s Intervention
The good Samaritan, who happened to be driving by, assisted Sindiwe by providing him with immediate refuge.
He transported the injured inspector to the nearest police station and allowed him to use his cellphone to contact the Cape of Good Hope SPCA for further assistance.
Through their combined efforts, Inspector Sindiwe escaped a perilous situation, highlighting the dangers faced by SPCA inspectors in their ongoing mission to protect animals and the importance of community support in times of crisis.
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