Two women were targeted by would-be robbers while trapped inside their overturned vehicle which had been involved in an accident on the R102 between Canelands and Verulam on Wednesday.
Passers-by on the northbound lane of the R102 were quick to alert Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) for assistance after coming across the scene.
Reaction officers, RUSA medics and paramedics from the Provincial Ambulance Services were on hand to aid the driver and passenger of the overturned vehicle.
The 54-year-old woman, still shaken from the ordeal, said she was shocked that opportunistic thieves seized the moment while she and her 76-year-old companion were trapped inside the wrecked car.
“We were stuck and couldn’t move. Instead of helping us or getting help for us, one of the thieves actually tried to steal my handbag. But I didn’t let go. I held on tightly and pulled with all my might. He eventually gave up and got away just before the officers could get here,” said the woman who did not want to be named.
RUSA spokesman Prem Balram said the accident had been caused when a blue Toyota Atios, that had just had its suspension repaired and wheel alignment done, experienced mechanical problems on the road and caused the driver to swerve into a blue Mercedes-Benz which resulted in it overturning.
“Fortunately, both sets of vehicle occupants escaped the incident with only minor injuries. The elderly victims, however, were left to grapple not only with the physical aftermath of the accident but also the distressing experience of being targeted by thieves while trapped in their overturned car,” said Mr Balram.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.
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