Cops
believed to be behind uMhlanga man’s assault
An uMhlanga Ridge resident was hijacked, robbed and
assaulted by five alleged Metro Police officers in Seaview.
25 July 2014 10:01
A 42-YEAR-OLD uMhlanga businessman had to endure a
two and a half hour long ordeal on Tuesday evening when he was assaulted,
robbed and hijacked after he was flagged down by a man wearing a high
visibility Metro Police jacket in uMhlathuzana Road, Seaview.
It is believed the businessman had been driving
from his office when a policeman in civilian clothing, but wearing a metro
police reflector jacket and a metro police cap, flagged him down.
When the businessman stopped, the officer asked for
his licence, which he gave to the officer. The officer then told the man his
licence disk had expired and when the businessman wanted to check it, the
policeman shoved him into the car. Three other people then climbed in and drove
off. It is believed one man stayed with the Metro Police vehicle.
After stealing his wallet, ring, watch and other
valuables, the brazen robbers demanded his bank card PIN numbers and took him
to an ATM.
After withdrawing the cash, the robbers then tied
his legs and hands and drove to his house. It has been reported that they knew
where he lived, but when they arrived at his house in uMhlanga Ridge, they
turned around when they saw cars in his driveway.
Thinking on his feet, the businessman told the
robbers they could go to his office, where they lured the security officer from
the office, tied his hands and feet and pushed him into the vehicle.
Police said the robbers then took the businessman
to his office, where he led them to the safe. They made off with R170 000 and
left the businessman tied up under a table. Police said he was only freed once
ADT Security arrived.
“It is alleged that he was hijacked of his vehicle
and robbed of cash and a bank card. Police are investigating a case of car
hijacking and armed robbery. A 28-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday,
23 July. He will appear in the Durban Magistrates’ Court soon. The vehicle was
later recovered in Cato Manor,” the KZN SAPS office said in a statement.
eThekwini Municipality’s head of communications,
Tozi Mthethwa, said the municipality was aware of the matter involving five
Metro Police officers who were involved in an alleged hijacking.
“One officer has been arrested, while another one
was taken in for questioning by SAPS. The city treats such incidences as a
criminal offence. If the officers are found to be guilty, necessary
disciplinary action will be taken,” Mthethwa said.
The municipality went on to say it understands that
there are lawless officers in the Metro Police ranks, and urged the public to
report all incidents of an irregular or illegal nature.
“A joint effort where the public report and give
evidence in disciplinary inquiries will eradicate this unacceptable scourge.
The investigation is on-going.”
