Hijackings on the increase
MOTORISTS in the Umbilo policing area which includes Glenwood, are encouraged to be extra vigilant after many incidents of car thefts, thefts out of vehicles and carjacking were reported over the past week.
Berea Mail has been made aware of at least six hijackings in the area last week. On Friday morning, a resident witnessed three suspects hijack a grey BMW on Princess Alice Avenue. According to Capt Pumzile Makaula, communications spokesperson for Umbilo SAPS, the victim jumped out of his car and went across the road when he noticed a grey Bantam bakkie stopping next to his car. “Four suspects jumped out of the said bakkie, one of them approached the victim pointed the firearm at him and demanded his car keys, wallet and cellphone,” she explained.
The terrified victim complied and the suspects drove off in the vehicle.
In another incident Makaula said on Dalton Road, a victim who had climbed out his vehicle to call somebody and left the car keys in the ignition, was pushed out the way by an opportunistic suspect who jumped into the vehicle and drove off.
Makaula said she didn’t want to alarm motorists, but did encourage the community, especially motorists, to be alert when driving and parking vehicles. “Be safe and always be aware of your surroundings when exiting or entering your homes or visiting friends. Never leave your car keys inside when you get out your vehicle,” she warned.
Woman mugged at Bulwer Park
THE Ferguson Road Neighborhood Watch appealed to community members visiting or jogging at Bulwer Park to be vigilant after a woman was mugged on Sunday afternoon.
According to a warning message the Neighbourhood Watch sent out to residents, the woman’s cellphone was allegedly taken by two suspects.
“One suspect was apprehended and SAPS and Blue Security were called to the scene.
Captain Makaula, communications officer at Umbilo SAPS said the woman was sitting at the park when two young men approached her. “The knife wielding suspects were about 23 years old and accosted the woman from either side. With a fist over her mouth they demanded her cellphon. One suspect allegedly asked the other to stab the woman,” Makaula said. The suspects fled without harming the woman. “They were caught by Umbilo police, arrested and detained at the station.
