A bakkie was set on fire after being hijacked. Image: Reaction Unit South Africa Facebook page
Hijackers set bakkie and driver ON FIRE in KwaZulu-Natal
Three armed suspects approached a bakkie and forced the driver into the back; as the bakkie ran out of fuel, they set it on fire
A bakkie was set on fire after being hijacked. Image: Reaction Unit South Africa Facebook page
On Tuesday night, 28 February, hijackers set a vehicle on fire near the entrance of Mount Moreland, KwaZulu-Natal, causing burns to the arm and face of a 53-year-old man.
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Bakkie found on fire
A Ford Ranger bakkie was discovered engulfed in flames at approximately 20:56 by a Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) member on patrol in the area.
The RUSA officer immediately requested assistance from the Ethekwini Fire Department, who arrived and extinguished the blaze.
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Later investigation revealed that the victim was hijacked near Waterloo by four men in a white VW Golf.
He was en route to Sibaya Casino.
Hijackers force victim into rear of the bakkie
Three of the suspects were armed with firearms and approached his vehicle, while the fourth remained in their getaway car.
The victim activated a security device which restricted the supply of fuel to the vehicle.
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The hijackers forced him into the rear of his bakkie and drove off in the direction of Umdloti.
As they approached the Mount Moreland entrance, the bakkie began to run out of fuel.
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The driver turned off the main road and drove onto an unpaved path before the hijackers robbed the victim of his cash.
Then, they poured an accelerant over the bakkie and set it alight before speeding off in the VW Golf.
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Victim manages to escape vehicle after it is set on fire
The victim managed to exit the vehicle when it burst into flames and allegedly rolled on the grass to extinguish the fire that had spread to his clothing.
He then used his cellphone, which he had managed to conceal from the suspects, to contact a family member.
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The victim was transported to the Verulam SAPS and then to a medical facility, where he received treatment for burns to his lips, face, and arms.
