The former chief whip of the Makhado Municipality and now the provincial manager responsible for special projects in the Department of Economic Development, Environmental and Tourism, Mr Moses Tseli, was hijacked at Tshisaulu at about 22:00 last Saturday night.

According to Tseli, who survived the hijacking with minor injuries, said he was alone, going to attend a funeral service at the village. He said that because he is not familiar with the area, he was driving around in his Nissan Tiiida, looking for the right street. "As I was reversing to turn into another street, three unknown young men jumped into my vehicle and immediately pretended to give direction to the funeral service, but along the way, they developed a change of heart and began demanding my vehicle´s key. We fought for about 40 minutes until they overpowered me and sped off with my vehicle," he said.

Tseli, who is also a councillor at the Vhembe District Municipality, confirmed that his attackers never produced a fire arm, knife or any other harmful objects during their scuffle. He further claimed that the criminals left him half naked as they took his t-shirt, jersey and a jacket. "They also grabbed my cellphone," he said.

He said that after the ordeal, he received warm assistance from villagers who demonstrated that they are against crime by phoning the police, who also responded swiftly. His car was later discovered burned to ashes at Mapate Village. "I had some other clothes in my vehicle, but I have to thank God because I managed to escape from that dangerous situation with minor injuries," he said.

Adv Ailwei Mushavhanamadi confirmed that a case of robbery has been opened at the Thohoyandou SAPS, following the hijacking that occurred at Tshisaulu. "We are still investigating this case," he said.