By Doreen Mokgolo
Criminals have found a new way to get farther away from the police after a robbery: the suspects get their victims drunk before escaping.
When victims are badly intoxicated, it delays their statements given to the police.
Police are expected to wait for four hours for victims to sober up before taking their statement.
In their latest strike, a truck driver, Solomon Mahlasela, was driving a Scania horse-and-trailer along the N17, loaded with fuel oil.
He had loaded up in Roodekop Refineries and was heading to the Arnot Power Station in Mpumalanga.
Mahlasela said he was pulled over by a white Toyota Corolla with occupants wearing Ekurhuleni Metro Police uniforms.
“They ordered me to step out of the truck and asked to see my driver’s licence; the officer continued walking around the truck as if he was inspecting it for any faults as any officer would.
“While I was still cooperating with the officers, one of the officers violently grabbed me from behind. When I tried to resist he fired a shot,” he said.
The suspects forced him inside their car and drove around with him while making him drink alcohol until he was intoxicated.
Once he was well and truly drunk, they dropped him off in Tsakani.
Springs police spokesperson Sergeant Themba Tshabalala said the tracking company detected suspicious activity and alerted the grounds team.
“The truck (horse) was recovered in the afternoon along Van Niekerk Road, also known as Largo, in Springs.
“The trailer is still missing and the suspects are still on the run. We are pleading to anyone who knows the identity of the suspects and their whereabouts to contact the Springs Police,” he said.
Pictured above: Scania horse.
Image source: Supplied
