Motorists travelling on the R102 between Cornubia/Phoenix and Verulam in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have been warned of knife-wielding criminals attacking stranded motorists and pedestrians.
In recent weeks Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) responded to several stabbings and murders on this section of the freeway.
“The perpetrator is targeting stranded motorists and pedestrians and repeatedly stabbing the victim before fleeing. Several motorists were stabbed in their vehicle when they experienced mechanical failure,” said RUSA.
“It is believed that the suspect prowls the main road or resides in an area that has the road visual. Most of these attacks were reported during dark hours.”
RUSA Reaction Officers in partnership with the Verulam Police Crime Prevention Unit will be conducting random high-visibility patrols along the R102 over the coming weeks in the interest of public safety.
The Verulam Police has thus far arrested seven suspects in the vicinity of Verulam and Cornubia/Phoenix who were found in possession of dangerous weapons and drugs, but has not yet confirmed whether the perpetrators are among them.
“Joint operations and high-visibility patrols will continue in high-risk areas,” said RUSA.
Drugs and weapons confiscated from suspected R102 killers
Recent incidents
In February, The South African reported that a 53-year-old pedestrian was walking towards Phoenix on the R102 in KZN when four males confronted him, dragged him over the metal barrier into the bushes, and assaulted him while stripping him of his belongings, which included two bank cards.
Two of the assailants had firearms while their accomplices were armed with knives.
The victim was forced to reveal his PIN and two of the attackers proceeded to ATMs to withdraw cash from his account whilst the two remaining attackers stayed with him in the bush.
After three hours, they returned and assaulted the victim again as they did not get enough money from his accounts. They stabbed him and took his cellphone and cash before leaving.
Fortunately, the victim made it to his residence in Mountview with a knife wound to his right arm and was able to get medical assistance.
In April, Netcare 911 Medics were called to the R102 opposite Cornubia Flats to assist a victim who tried to flee armed robbers and collapsed in the middle of the freeway.
Upon arrival the medical professionals found that the person already passed, and an undisclosed amount of valuables was taken from them.
This week another motorist, believed to be a robbery victim, was stabbed to death on the R102 in the vicinity of the Ottawa robots, according to RUSA.
Passing drivers contacted RUSA after they noticed the unresponsive male lying in the emergency lane. On arrival, the officers discovered he had sustained a fatal stab wound to his chest and his pockets were turned inside out.
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