Passengers not allowed
There are so many reasons why truck drivers should not give lifts to hikers without the permission of the company. One that would matter to the driver, especially, is his safety.
You don’t know if the person you are giving a lift is indeed in need of a lift or your possessions.
The Bethlehem Public Order Police on Saturday arrested a passenger and found him in possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition on the R26 Bethlehem/Fouriesburg road.
Police followed up on information received with regard to a truck transporting a person who is in possession of an unlicensed firearm.
According to a statement issued by police spokesperson in the Free State, Montantsi Makhele, the members spotted and stopped the truck on the R26 and searched it, as well as bag belonging to the passenger.
The police found two firearms, two magazines and nine rounds of 9mm ammunition. The serial numbers of both firearms had been filed off.
The suspect – a 22-year-old Lesotho citizen – hiked from Bethlehem and was on his way to Fouriesburg.
He is expected to appear before the Bethlehem Magistrate court on Tuesday 12 August 2020 on charges of being in possession of an illegal firearm and ammunition.
While the truck driver may not have been the suspect’s target, in the same way, truck drivers lift hikers who end up hijacking them.
