Robbers stab motorist 12 times on Addo road
A UITENHAGE businessman was stabbed 12 times and robbed in broad daylight when he parked at the roadside near Motherwell, Port Elizabeth.
Following a spate of attacks in the past three months, the latest attack has prompted police to issue a warning to motorists to be extreme cautious when using a section of the R334 between Addo and Motherwell.
The victim, who did not want to be named, was attacked by four men armed with a gun and knives on the R334 on Monday morning.
Within an hour of the incident, police had sent a helicopter and several officers to scour the bushes.
Two men were arrested within an hour of the attack.
The victim, a restaurant owner, 58, described the attack as a swift and wellplanned ambush at a “river” covering several potholes, where the hijackers lie in wait for motorists to stop.
He said he had stopped on the R334 to photograph the potholes, which had caused R20 000 damage to his car on Saturday when he and his wife were en route to the Addo National Park.
“I had stopped to take pictures when someone hit me over the head with a firearm. “They came out of nowhere,” he said. “Three guys grabbed my arms and started dragging me.
“When one said they must get me into the bushes, I regained my footing, and started fighting with two of them,” he said. “I managed to go down with the two and tried to hold them so that they could not stab or shoot me.
“One of the other robbers tried to steal my car, but could not take it because it was in fifth gear. I could smell the clutch burning.”
One of the robbers managed to steal the businessman’s firearm. “Another man started stabbing my legs, then stabbed me in the back.”
The man sustained 12 stab wounds to his legs and back, and required stitches.
“Luckily, an approaching motorist stopped. As the robbers saw this, they fired a shot at me which hit the ground.
“They then all fled into the bushes and continued shooting as they ran off.
“The police then arrived with a helicopter. Two men were later arrested.
“I was so angry that I refused to get into the ambulance. I just wanted to get hold of those guys.
“I almost died at the hands of these criminals. I was fighting for my life.”
Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said several rob- beries in which cattle were chased onto the road had also been reported.
“When drivers stop, they get robbed or hijack,” Beetge said.
“If you see cows in the road, slow down, do not approach and rather turn around if possible.”
Beetge said several attempts had been made to catch the robbers.
“We have increased patrols on that road and have used the police helicopter to try to catch these guys.”
Beetge said Petros Mahlati, 34, and Kwanele Nomkhala, 34, had appeared in the Motherwell Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday and would remain in custody until May 18 for a formal bail application.
They are charged with armed robbery, attempted murder and hijacking.