Man allegedly threatened and assaulted by Metro cop.
Yoshini Perumal | 29 July 2014 11:42
Pic: Tuscola Today
An Umhlanga businessman was allegedly hijacked and taken on a ride of terror by five men recently, one of whom was wearing a reflector jacket and a Metro Police cap. Madhavan Govender, 42, was travelling on Umhlatuzana Road in Seaview, when the incident occurred.
Since then, a Metro police officer is believed to have been arrested. It is alleged that a marked Metro police vehicle, a quantum that was parked at the scene with three men dressed in ‘muftis’ surrounding it, pulled Govender over. He was questioned about his driver’s license which he handed to the alleged metro policeman. Govender was told to step out of his vehicle by the alleged Metro police officer who told him his license had expired. The officer then assaulted Govender and got into his vehicle with the other three men. The ‘officer’ pointed a firearm at him and tied his hands.
The three men then searched Govender and asked where he resided. Fearing the safety of his family, Govender lied about his residence. The men seemed to have significant information about Govender, interrupting him and telling him not to lie as he lives in Umhlanga and that he was a businessman. He was constantly questioned about his bank pin and was threatened that if it was incorrect, they would stab him. They drove to Chesterville, where Govender’s bank card was used to withdraw R1, 000. The suspects continued on their terror ride with Govender, taking him to Umhlanga. He then noticed that they were carrying a black device with antennas. They informed the terrified man that they were going to his house. As they were travelling, he realised they were heading to his house and at no stage did he give them any directions.
Nearing his abode, the men then informed him that there were too many people in his house. The armed men also said they were going to rape his family. He was continuously questioned about the security, panic alarm button and guards at his house. When he informed them that there’s no safe at his residence but one at his place of business, they proceeded to the premises. The men tied up the security guard and placed him in Govender’s vehicle. The suspects took the keys from the receptionist’s drawer and the pin number of the safe and removed the cash.
Govender was then instructed to lie flat on the floor while the men fled the scene. He ran outside screaming for the security official. ADT members were already at the scene and the cut the cable ties. The police were contacted and the description of the vehicle was circulated via radio control. Through tracker, the police tracked the vehicle in Cato Manor, where the vehicle was recovered. A man was arrested by the K9 Unit. An amount of R106, 000 was taken from Govender’s safe. W/O Derek Freddy Vijiam, communications officer at Bellair SAPS, confirmed the incident. “A case of hijacking and theft had been opened and police are investigating the case,” he said.
