Hijacking tactic: Dogs hanged as bait to lure drivers on R300
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has warned motorists to stay alert after receiving reports of dogs being cruelly hanged from roadside structures to lure drivers into stopping.
Image: Facebook
Criminals have sunk to shocking new lows using helpless animals as bait in an alleged hijacking ploy along the R300.
The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa has warned motorists to stay alert after receiving reports of dogs being cruelly hanged from roadside structures to lure drivers into stopping.
According to the organisation, criminals are allegedly tying dogs with wire around their necks and hanging them from concrete palisade walls in areas along the busy route.
The disturbing scenes are believed to be used to trick compassionate motorists into pulling over only to be targeted and robbed.
The society said on Sunday, April 26, they received a call from a distressed motorist who spotted a dog hanged from a wall behind Samora Machel, as well as another animal trapped between concrete structures.
Fearing it could be a setup, the motorist did not stop and instead contacted the organisation once it was safe to do so.
Senior Inspector Sivuyile Kilwa, along with senior nurse Michelle Henning, rushed to the scene, but tragically, both dogs had already died from their injuries and suffocation.
The organisation believes this may not be an isolated incident, warning that it reflects increasing levels of cruelty linked to criminal activity in the area.
Motorists are being urged not to stop if they encounter similar situations, but rather to report it immediately to the Animal Welfare Society’s emergency hotline.
The society has also called on the public to spread awareness as fears grow over the dangerous new tactic.
Responding to the post on social media, one person wrote: “I’m definitely stopping. Boy oh boy do I have 45 surprises waiting for you. Bring it.”
Another added: “We are sharing a country with barbaric savages. They don't deserve to breathe the same air as these beautiful creatures they are murdering.”