Gunpoint hijacking of scholar transport in Wesbank leaves children in shock
A scholar transport from Riverside was hijacked at gunpoint on Friday morning while dropping learners off at schools in Wesbank.
The incident in Waterblom Street occurred around 7:50am while the driver of the white Nissan NP200 bakkie with registration CF 290 839 was on her way to drop off learners.
Elizabeth Lotz is the owner of Libby’s Scholar Transport and said her colleague was on duty at the time.
She said the scholar transport is for learners living in Riverside who attend school in Wesbank.
“Myself and another woman take turns to drop the children but it is my bakkie," said Lotz.
"While she was driving to drop off the primary school children and one high school learner, a maroon Volkswagen Polo with tinted windows swerved in front of her before a speedbump.
"One guy jumped out of the Polo with a gun, opened the bakkie and hit the driver over the head with the head and pulled her out.
"They were two hijackers, one jumped out of the car and another one was driving their getaway Polo.
"My daughter who was on her way to college was struggling with the safety belt and when she wanted to grab her phone, the driver pointed her with the gun.
"He wanted to grab her but she left her phone and shoes and jumped out of the bakkie.
"The children also started jumping out of the bakkie. The hijacker jumped in the bakkie and took off.”
Lotz said the hijackers made off with the bakkie, the children’s bags and two cellphones.
“Thankfully everyone is OK. They are in shock but nothing happened to them. The principal from one of the schools came to get the learners at the scene, while we were waiting for the police and the high-school learner’s parents came to fetch her.
"This is the first time that something like this has happened to me. The scholar transport is my bread and butter ,so I need my bakkie to be able to generate an income.”
Police spokesperson, Anelisiwe Manyana, confirmed a case of carjacking was registered.
“Mfuleni police opened a case of carjacking for further investigation following an incident that took place on Friday in Waterbloom, Wesbank.
"According to reports the complainant was driving at the mentioned address when a Volkswagen Polo vehicle drove past at a high speed and quickly stopped in front of her vehicle.
"It is alleged that one of the occupants jumped out with a firearm in his hand and instructed her to get out of the vehicle. The suspect hit the complainant on the head with a firearm and drove off with her vehicle.
"The unknown suspect who fled the scene is yet to be arrested."
Police are appealing to anyone who may have information regarding this incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Cape Argus