Passenger killed in Tzaneen hitchhiking incident
A Nissan NP 200 bakkie driver and 11 passengers were allegedly attacked by taxi patrollers, resulting in the death of one passenger in a hitchhiking incident in Tzaneen, Limpopo, on Tuesday. Nine passengers suffered serious injuries and were taken to the nearest hospital.
Reports suggest that a 57-year-old male victim was driving a white Nissan NP 200 bakkie with 11 passengers he picked up from a hiking spot to Nkowankowa.
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When he passed the last stop sign out of town, he noticed two males standing outside a White Toyota Etios motor vehicle branded Taxi Patrol with an unknown registration number.
The suspects got inside the motor vehicle and chased him to stop, but he did not until he drove a few meters next to a filling station, where he heard a strange sound and the vehicle suddenly lost control.
As a result, the bakkie hit the pillars on the side of the road, passengers fell out, and it stopped in the middle of the road. The White Toyota Etios motor vehicle stopped and drove back to Tzaneen town.
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Police and members of the Emergency Medical Services [EMS] were summoned to the scene and declared a 55-year-old male dead on arrival. Nine passengers were transported to the local hospital to receive medical attention in a critical condition.
Police in Tzaneen are investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic incident. Culpable homicide and attempted murder cases were opened for further investigation.
Provincial Commissioner of police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has strongly condemned the incident. She ordered the police to track and trace the suspects to face the full might of the law.
Anyone with information that can assist in the investigation is urged to contact the Investigating Officer Lieutenant Colonel Tsakane Ngwenya on 082 469 0931 or crime stop number 08600 10111 or nearest police station or MySAPSApp.
