The increasing number of hijackings is a concern for the Yeoville SAPS.
The station’s communications officer, Constable Thabo Malatji, said in the past two weeks four incidents of hijackings were reported.
“Most of these incidents occurred when vehicle owners parked their cars in isolated areas. I urge motorists to refrain from parking in isolated areas,” said Const Malatji.
He said in some instances, a driver will be taken along with the vehicle and dropped off in another area.
“Sometimes they are dropped off without being hurt, but sometimes they are hurt. Some vehicles are recovered. The suspects target those who park their cars in quiet streets with poor lighting,” he said.
He said in one of the incidents, a man was hijacked after dropping off his colleague.
“The suspects drove with the owner still inside the car. Shortly after the victim saw a signboard for Vosloorus and Durban, they drove into a cemetery. The suspects called a technician to remove the tracker. They then returned to Yeoville to drop the victim off,” said Const Malatji.
He said on June 21, shortly after 7pm, a man was shot as he was waiting for someone in Hunter Street.
“The man was shot at while he was in his vehicle. He exited the vehicle and ran to a nearby property, where he collapsed at the gate. He was declared dead at the scene by paramedics. We are not sure if this was a botched hijacking as nothing, not even the car, was stolen,” said Const Malatji.
He urged residents to call the police when they see crime happening.
“Do not just let it happen; tomorrow it might be you. Call the police as soon as you can to save a life,” he said.
He said people should call the Yeoville SAPS sector managers when they see something suspicious.
r Sector 1 covers Yeoville. Warrant Officer Falakhe Mbambo is the sector manager and can be contact on 082 757 7781.
r Sector 2 covers Belleview and Belleview East. Constable Sibusiso Cebekhulu is the sector manager and can be contacted on 071 675 6037.
r Sector 3 covers Observatory. Constable Kenny Mukwevho is the sector manager and can be contacted on 072 864 4873.
