‘We Were Forced to Lie Down’: Junior Lavie Describes Hijacking Incident

Events promoter Junior Lavie has survived a hijacking incident.

The Durban-based promoter said robbers attempted to hijack his Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon during a heist at a petrol station in Midrand last week.

“We arrived at the petrol garage unaware that the gang were plotting to rob them. As we were filling up the car, two armed men came up to my car and asked us to get out. They took all our belongings and made us lie down until they were done robbing the petrol station,” he said.

“I wasn’t sure what was happening. I heard the petrol attendants screaming. Gunshots were fired as a security vehicle approached the garage. The gang was heavily armed.”

Lavie said luckily he had his car keys on him so the gang was unable to start the vehicle.

The promoter was driving his friend to the airport to catch a flight to Paris when the incident happened shortly before midnight. His friend missed his flight.

“I thank my ancestors as worse could’ve happened: loss of life or losing my car. I’ve never been so terrified. The ordeal gave me a sign to be super cautious at night while travelling in unfamiliar areas.”