Motorists come under rock attack
MOTORISTS driving along the R102 between King Shaka International Airport and Verulam were ambushed by men who hurled rocks at their vehicles, causing injuries and extensive damage.
Bricks were thrown at cars, damaging doors, windscreens and side mirrors, in a bid to force motorists off the road, on Sunday night.
Five vehicles were damaged and their occupants, among them children, were injured.
Two men have been arrested and are expected to appear in the Verulam Magistrate’s Court this week.
Vani Naidu, 39, one of the victims, believes it was prayer that kept her family safe. She was travelling in a bakkie with her husband Allan, 45, and sons, JJ, 10, and Jordan, 7, around 8pm after visiting relatives in oThongathi (Tongaat).
“Allan was driving and we have a rule that there is no talking because talking distracts the driver,” she said.
“My husband and I are wedding planners and the day before, one of our vehicles had been hijacked and most of our goods were taken.”
Naidu said keeping that incident in mind during the drive home, she prayed silently for God’s protection.
“While praying I heard a loud bang and saw pieces of glass enter our vehicle. Two men dressed in white were throwing bricks, targeting the driver’s side of the vehicle.”
She said her husband remained calm. “We did not even stop to see how our vehicle was damaged. The brick hit our side door and side mirror, it just missed the windscreen. We were all so shaken.”
Naidu said she was just happy they were unharmed. “I read on social media that other people sustained bad injuries. Police need to start monitoring these areas.
“Rock throwing is so dangerous and it can cause serious accidents.”
Naidu said she was happy two people had been arrested and hoped they would get proper punishment.
Suren Balram of the Trans Natal Flying Squad, who was at the scene, said one motorist had a large wound to his head from being struck with a half brick.
In another vehicle, a passenger’s right shoulder was hit by a brick thrown through the glass.
He said other people had also been injured.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said the attacks were being investigated.