Local authorities are warning drivers against stopping along the N1 to buy grapes from so-called hawkers, as this is just a ruse to rob unsuspecting travellers.
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The De Doorns Police issued a serious warning after an increase in incidents involving robberies by grape hawkers was reported. ‘There is an increase in incidents along the N1 where motorists, who stop to buy grapes, are robbed,’ says Dalikhaya Mandelize, De Doorns SAPS spokesperson. ‘Harvests are currently underway. Die grapes are bought from nearby farms and then sold – typically to motorists along the highway.’
Mandelize adds that the police department has a unit dedicated to patrolling the area. ‘The so-called hawkers are the ones that rob people. Several victims have stated that the person selling them the grapes robbed them. Personal items such as wallets, handbags, cellphones and laptops were taken.’
On 29 April, the Worcester Standard came across about 40 illegal hawkers along the road in the De Doorns area, noting that some even tried to jump in front of their vehicle to get their attention, while others ran across the road repeatedly.
Jannie Strydom, chief executive officer of Agri Western Cape, encourages motorists to support local farm stalls instead. He adds that motorists must use their own discretion to determine whether a farm stall is legal. ‘Ask for their permits – all farm stalls must have one in order to function legally. Theft of fruit is a major concern, and motorists must do their best to support our farmers in a legal manner.’
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