Two alleged armed robbers were shot and killed by a hitchhiker on Thursday morning, 5 May, after trying to rob him on the N4 road near Nelspruit.
HITCHHIKER KILLS ALLEGED ARMED ROBBERS
Colonel Donald Mdhluli of the South African Police Service (SAPS) said the accused were heading towards Malelane in a silver-grey VW Polo when they passed the hitchhiker in Valencia outside the Nelspruit CBD.
“They allegedly diverted to Croc Valley Farm along the route, where one of them allegedly brandished a knife in an effort to rob the man who was given a ride.”
“According to additional reports, the man also drew his pistol and allegedly shot both men,” Mdhluli said.
One of the purported robbers died on the spot, while the other died while being transported to the hospital. The bodies have not yet been identified.
Following the event, the police opened a case of robbery with another weapon and two inquest dockets.
Along with the knife and the vehicle, the hitchhiker’s weapon was taken as part of the inquiry.
The early investigation shows that the car may be linked to prior armed robberies of hitchhikers at several hiking areas near Nelspruit, according to the police spokesperson.