A truck driver is in a serious condition in hospital after being the victim of a brutal assault whilst driving through Umbilo on Tuesday night.
“The incident occurred when the truck driver was driving along Sydney Road at around 19h30 on Tuesday night,” said Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios.
“The trucker had come to a stop at a set of traffic lights. While waiting for the lights to change, he was approached by four suspects who surrounded the vehicle,” he said.
“The suspects then surprised him by climbing inside the horse and trailer. They produced knives and demanded cellphones, cash and other valuables from the driver,” Mathios said.
“The truck driver reacted by accelerating down Sydney Road for about a kilometre whilst still under attack inside the cab. He kept driving and mounted the pavement while being stabbed repeatedly,” he said.
“The trucker managed to keep the truck going in a straight line narrowly missing other trucks which were parked in the road unloading cargo outside various businesses,” Mathios said.
“Meanwhile inside the cab the suspects continued to stab and assault the driver before making their escape. He was left in a serious condition after sustaining stab wounds to the abdomen and taken to King Edward Hospital for further medical treatment,” he said.
“It is unclear whether the suspects were successful in getting away with anything in the attempted robbery and attack.” Members of Umbilo SAPS, Tracker, Blue Security Tactical Team and armed response officers responded to the scene and a search immediately began in the surrounding area.
“Unfortunately the suspects had escaped into the Sydney Road area, which has become notorious for harbouring a high volume of vagrants,” Mathios said.
A case of robbery has been opened. Blue Security
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