Braamfontien Spruit - Bikejacking (27/02)

[YetiFan]

Just a heads-up to all cyclists who ride the Braamfontein Spruit during the week... I was held up at gunpoint close to the Ballyclare bridge on Thursday just after 18h30. Dodgy guy jumped into the path in front of me and pointed a gun at me. After trying to reason with him, he cocked the gun in my face - sense prevailed and I reluctantly handed over the bike...

 

As soon as he had jumped on the bike and started riding back down the Spruit towards Rivonia, I started running after him trying to keep him in my sights. I eventually caught up with him near the scout hall (he wasn't a very good MTB'er) and managed to get some help from some homeless guys on the Spruit, and together we managed to scare him so he crashed and ran away.

 

I was extremely lucky to get my bike back, unharmed. I am working with the police at Morningside Station to make sure we bring this guy to justice...

 

Moral of the story:

1. Don't ride alone, even if you have a new bike that you REALLY want to ride before the weekend!

2. Try to assess the situation, and don't try to take these guys on on your own when they have the advantage

3. Try to keep the thief in your sights once he's ridden off (and is effectively disarmed) - you never know how the situation may turn in your favour.

 

Be safe

Matt

[Danger Dassie]

Wait, this sounds near identical to a story posted a few years ago which raised more quesions than answers?

[Skylark]

Be careful with zoombie thieves and guns!

Glad you came out with your bike back and yourself unscathed, wouldn't recommend chasing after an armed thief to anyone.

[Pusher]

Sh*t. That area is part of my regular ride!

[finallygotabike]

damm, that's the stretch i do in the mornings just after 7

[Rickb33]

Hey YetiFan, sorry to hear about your ordeal. I also ride by myself often so hearing yet another story like this does make me wonder.

 

You mentioned the homeless guys helped you - I have often wondered if they are a help or the ones behind these incidents. Theoretically it is in their best interests to not have incidents along the spruit so that their illegal dwelling is not at risk - but I am not sure.