Kids see hijackers gun down dad

2006-12-05 17:23

Mmamokete Hlase

Ogies - Hijackers shot and killed a father who tried to defend his three children on Tuesday.

The family, which was travelling home to Mozambique, was attacked by five armed robbers on the N12 near Ogies, at the Brickhill off-ramp, at 02:00.

Inspector Simon Matshika of Ogies police said: "The family's car apparently broke down on their trip home to Maputo. The family decided to sleep in the car and call a mechanic in the morning."

But, the five hijackers spotted them and surrounded the car.

"They banged on the windows and then pulled the driver out of the vehicle," said Matshika.

When the father tried to plead with the men not to harm his wife and young children, including a baby, a scuffle broke out.

"One of the attackers then shot the man twice in the left side of his chest, killing him instantly," said Matshika, adding that police were withholding the family's identity.

The gang stripped the terrified survivors of all their valuables, including cellular phones and R10 000 in cash.

'Be vigilant' warning

"The man apparently earned the money working in Krugersdorp, and was taking it home to Mozambique," said Matshika.

The inspector appealed to motorists who may have seen the attack, or anyone who had information on it, to contact their nearest police station.

"We also appeal to motorists to be vigilant while driving through isolated areas at night.

If you have a breakdown, call police to come and collect you, rather than spending the night alone on the roadside."

- African Eye