I lost my Felt Virtue 1 in this 'jack. And some other stuff, including a bit of joy. Some thoughts: Any weapons carried by us would have been turned against us. They outnumbered us two to one in the ambush, as we were split up into two groups of three. (Just the natural consequences of riding.) They seemed quite efficient and effective, which leads me to think that they are the foot soldiers of an organised group, and not just opportunists. (I think opportunists would have committed additional offences.) We got away lightly: we lost about R250k on the morning, but we only had to attend at the local charge office and not at the local hospital. The SAPS was like the energy drink left in your bottle after a race - tepid, and not available for the intended purpose. From where I lay face down in the grass, an armed escort really looked like the only solution. That, and bringing civilization to this place.
