Durban - A Queensburgh man who became the victim of a robbery on the St John’s bridge in Pinetown said his seat belt saved him from being stabbed.
The man, only known as Reg, could not be reached last night, but he posted on social media chat groups that he was a victim of a smash-and-grab.
He said two men acted like they were homeless and asked for money on the bridge.
“They poked me three times with a cracked glass bottle through the window. They wanted my wallet and cellphone, but only managed to take off with my phone. I was saved by the seat belt and my belt. I am ok though,” he wrote on social media BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
A photograph taken by a friend, Andreas Mathios, who was parked three cars behind him in traffic, has gone viral on Facebook.
Mathios did not know if the suspects had guns and opted to stay in his car.
He said the photograph captured the motorist being mugged with a broken bottle neck.
The bottle was hidden in a polystyrene cup used for loose coins.
Mathios said police have seen the picture and it would be topic of serious discussion.
“Trust me, SAPS is taking this seriously. This St John’s bridge spot is a priority,” he said.
Tract Risdale, of North Park Neighbourhood Watch, said one of the beggars shoved his arm through a small gap in the window to unlock the doors. The incident has left the victim spooked, she said.
“I am sick of these beggars at intersections. St John’s bridge on both sides is horrendous. When you see pictures like this, it makes you want to get out of your car and take the law into your own hands,” she said.
Pinetown police are investigating the incident.
Daily News