Buyers hijack victim during test drive in Phoenix

A 32 year old Malawian National was hijacked during a test drive by two Zimbabwean suspects who showed interest his vehicle that displayed a ‘For Sale’ sign.

According to the victim who resides in Park Gate – KZN, he received a call on his mobile phone whilst at a tattersalls on Todd Street – Verulam. The caller informed him that he got his Mobile number from the sign on the rear glass of his Silver E90 BMW. The victim was then offered R87 000 for the car which was on sale for R95 000. The buyer requested that they meet at Globes Shopping Center in Ottawa & take the vehicle for a test driver before payment was made.

Upon arrival at the shopping center, two african males got into the vehicle & the victim drove to a Sasol Garage in Phoenix. The suspect seated in the front passenger seat then paid R100 for fuel & instructed the driver to continue driving towards Gateway – Umhlanga. The victim refused and drove towards Ottawa when the suspects asked him to pull over at a set of robots to pick up some cash from his brothers. According to the victim, two more suspects got into the vehicle & produced a firearm & knife and instructed him to drive.

The victim drove onto the R102 southbound lane & tried to get the attention of other motorist. The suspects then grabbed the steering and during the scuffle the victim lost control of the vehicle. The BMW swayed several times before it overturned. All four suspects then fled on foot.

Reaction Unit South Africa were called out to the scene by motorist who reported an accident. Paramedics who where despatched to the scene called for Reaction Officers to assist when the victim informed them that it was at attempted hijacking that caused the accident.

Several Officers searched the area with negative results. The suspects bag, laptop & a Samsung mobile phone were recovered in the vehicle.

The victim suffered minor injuries. He was treated on scene and transported to a medical facility for further treatment. The vehicle was extensively damaged.