HIJACKER MEETS HIS MATCH

Community members of Gatesville in Athlone stieked uit after a hijacking incident went wrong and moered the suspect to a pulp.

Local neighbourhood watch member Aqeelah Abrahams told the Daily Voice that she was on the scene after an alert was shared on a community chat saying: “Attempted hijacking. They have the suspect in a vehicle. They need assistance.”

Abrahams said her and other members from a different neighbourhood watch went to the scene. When she arrived and spoke to the victim, he told her that his vrou and kinders got into their vehicle from buying food and the suspect entered from the passenger side.

She adds: “Then there was a scuffle, then he realised that this firearm was not a a real one. He tried to grab the suspect and they stabbed the victim in the arm.”

Mense nearby saw the incident and helped the victim and moered the suspect.

Abrahams said that it is alleged that the suspect is a repeat offender, who was admitted to hospital for medical attention and later arrested.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: “Athlone police registered an attempted robbery and assault case for investigation, following an incident on Sunday, 18 May 2025, at about 7pm, in Gatesville, where an unknown man got into the victim’s vehicle in an attempt to rob them. 

“The victim and his family was assisted by community members who apprehended the suspect and handed him over to police. The victim sustained injuries to his arm and hand.

“The adult male suspect will appear in the Athlone Magistrates Court once he has been charged.”