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?
Lv 6
? asked in TravelAfrica & Middle EastSouth Africa · 9 years ago

Hey guys! What would you do when this happens?

This really happened this morning as I was driving home (worked night shift) on the N4 between Pelindaba and Quagga Toll Plaza. A cyclist indicated to me that he needed help, so I stopped. He told me that he was shot at and robbed by 3 idiots, 2 of them armed with hand guns. I knew that the only thing I could do for him was to call the SAPS, but I didn't have airtime, so the guy said it's ok, he'll continue. I drove on to Quagga Plaza thinking I would try and get the toll booth operators to at least inform SAPS, this is how my conversation with the idiot went:

Me; Hi, do you have direct contact with the SAPS?

Him; Yes, why?

Me; A cyclist was shot at and robbed about 11km back by 3 men, 2 were armed.

Him; Oh, but it's illegal to cycle on a national road, this often happens. There is a sign that says cycling is not allowed.

Me; So, since he is cycling "illegally" it's ok to shoot at him and rob him?

Him; Mmm...yes.

I sped off to prevent myself from moering him halfway to hospital.

So, what would you guys have done?

Update:

Ok, fair enough, he was cycling illegally, but it still doesn't give anybody else the right to rob the guy.

Yeah, I know exactly what risk I took in stopping when he flagged me, but I would never have forgiven myself if I had to read in the papers about a cyclist being murdered...one that I knew I passed.

Update 2:

@ soy bean, I did ask him if he needed a lift to the police/ hospital, but he said he's fine. He wasn't injured, although they shot at him, they missed. I don't know if it was on purpose or if they don't know how to shoot.

All of you are taking the focus away from the idiot in the toll booth and blaming the cyclist!!! YES, he was where he wasn't supposed to be, but it still doesn't give ANYONE the right to rob him or refuse help when he asked for it.

So far only soy bean's answer makes sense.

5 Answers

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  • Ingrid's Memory
    Lv 5
    9 years ago
    Favourite answer

    I would insist that the operator in the toll both contact the emergency services immediately, and report his failure to assist in a emergency as well ... the cyclist was also wrong, but he might not have had another option

  • Flo
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    Even if you don't have airtime, the SOS function on your phone should still work. That is what you should have used first.

    If he was cycling illegally, then they could have come and arrested him, plus taken a statement regarding the incident.

    Being flagged down can always be risky - you never know if you are going to be "ambushed" - many people would have just driven past.

  • Odie
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    I would have crapped out that cyclist. Everyone knows you are not allowed to ride a bicycle on the highway. I bed you he isn't even paying the toll.

  • ?
    Lv 5
    9 years ago

    gave the guy a ride to hospital and leave my info in case. and u can always go back with a gun and get yourself a new bike by just enforcing the law.

  • soy bean from south africa
    9 years ago

    Why didnt you just give the guy a ride to the station? You are all idiots

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