Man in court on hijacking charge
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court remanded a man in custody pending further investigation for allegedly attempting to steal a motorist’s car while the vehicle was stopped at a red robot at 11pm in Marlboro on 8 January. The victim told the court that before he drove on after the robot had turned green, he heard a …
The Alexandra Magistrates’ Court remanded a man in custody pending further investigation for allegedly attempting to steal a motorist’s car while the vehicle was stopped at a red robot at 11pm in Marlboro on 8 January.
The victim told the court that before he drove on after the robot had turned green, he heard a crashing sound as the accused broke one of the vehicle’s windows before he jumped into the car.
It is alleged that once inside, the accused pulled up the handbrake, held onto the steering wheel and demanded the vehicle keys while pretending to pull something from behind his back.
The victim claimed to have switched off the vehicle and the accused held onto him only to let go when he got hold of the keys from the victim. The victim then exited the vehicle.
Realising the keys were not for the vehicle, the accused grappled with the victim for the keys. As they tussled, the victim held onto the accused’s leg and was helped by a passing motorist to restrain the accused until police arrived and arrested him.
In mitigation, the accused claimed he fought the victim after he bumped into him while he was crossing the road when he had the right of way.
The case continues.
