Bikers getting robbed at gunpoint

HOW THEY ROB BIKERS: 1: A biker stops at the traffic sign. 2: The suspects run away on foot. 3: They disappear towards the freeway. Graphic: Elvin Nethononda/Independent Media.

HOW THEY ROB BIKERS: 1: A biker stops at the traffic sign. 2: The suspects run away on foot. 3: They disappear towards the freeway. Graphic: Elvin Nethononda/Independent Media.

Published Jul 6, 2015

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Johannesburg - A warning has been circulating on social media about motorbikers being robbed at the William Nicol off-ramp on the N1 North.

The warning states that bikers are being “robbed at red robots by armed men”.

In the most recent incident, a man on a motorbike was confronted by two armed men while waiting at a red traffic light on the William Nicol off-ramp.

“They pointed a firearm at him and robbed him of his belongings,” the warning stated.

The police have confirmed the incident.

“It is alleged that the complainant was stopped at the corner of the N1 North and William Nicol. He was approached by two men, one of whom was armed with a pistol. The suspect pointed the firearm at him and took his laptop.

“The two men then fled the scene,” said Gauteng police spokeswoman Lieutenant-Colonel Katlego Mogale.

She said at least three motorcyclists had reported being robbed in the area.

“These cases are hijacking, attempted murder and robbery with a firearm.”

Mogale added investigations were continuing.

Earlier this year, the William Nicol and N1 freeway area in Norscot was named a smash-and-grab hotspot.

Purses, handbags, wallets and cellphones are some of the items targeted by robbers and smash-and-grabbers, according to a recent article by Arrive Alive.

Victims are mostly single drivers with belongings on the passenger seat.

“Criminals tend to focus on female drivers, knowing well that they are less likely to chase after them,” the article states.

AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM:

- Keep all valuables, including bags, purses and cellphones, in the boot or out of sight if inside the car.

- Lock all the doors and keep the windows closed if possible. Never open your windows to strangers.

- Stay alert while driving, especially when you stop at intersections or stop signs.

- Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you when you approach an intersection to give yourself a chance to escape in a potentially dangerous situation.

- If you don’t have smash-and-grab film installed, leave your window open slightly (about 3cm) while driving. This makes the glass more flexible and more resistant against shattering if it’s struck by a sharp object.

- Slow down when you reach a traffic light at night so you reach it at the point it turns green.

The Star

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