Mapaballo Borotho

- Gauteng police have urged motorists not to give lifts to strangers during the festive season, warning of increased risks of violent crime.
- Acting Provincial Commissioner Frans Kekana says criminals are posing as stranded hitchhikers to ambush and hijack motorists on major routes.
- Meanwhile, 18 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested during a high-density safety operation on the N3 near Heidelberg.
As travel to holiday destinations intensifies, Gauteng police have warned motorists against giving lifts to strangers, citing a high risk of robberies, hijackings, rape and murder.
Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Frans Kekana says police have received disturbing reports on certain routes where criminals pose as stranded hitchhikers before attacking unsuspecting motorists.
Kekana was speaking to Kaya News on Monday afternoon while leading a high-density festive season operation along the N3 near Heidelberg. He expressed concern over motorists who stop to assist strangers, only to be ambushed and hijacked.
“Just when they stop, four people come out of the bush, hold you at gunpoint, rob and hijack you. Don’t give strangers lifts,” Kekana warned.
On the same day, 18 undocumented foreign nationals were arrested on the N3 near Heidelberg during a multidisciplinary festive season safety operation involving police, Home Affairs and traffic officers.
The operation targeted drunk driving, drugs, non-roadworthy vehicles, speeding and weapons. Kekana confirmed that the arrested individuals are from Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
He has issued a stern warning to criminals, saying high-density operations are visible and ongoing across the province for the remainder of the festive season.
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