ONCE in every 32 minutes a car is hijacked in South Africa. According to statistics released by the SAPS at the beginning of March, a total 12 743 vehicles were hijacked in South Africa between April and December 2016 – that’s 14.9 per cent more than in the 2015/16 financial year.
Earlier this week ANC MP and Deputy Justice Minister Thabang Makwetla was hijacked on his way to visit a patient at the Life Riverfield Lodge, a psychiatric care and addiction treatment facility in Johannesburg.
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Bianca de Beer, spokesperson for Dialdirect says we read and share shocking stats like these all too frequently, but it’s an absolute must to treat information that could help to increase vigilance, and perhaps even curb hijackings, with the same priority.
“There is a wealth of information available online around hi-jacking hotspots and the latest hijacking tactics. The more you know, the better prepared you will be,” she said.
De Beer offers the following practical tips to avoid becoming a hijacking statistic:
- Use a GPS to avoid getting lost and becoming an easy target.
- Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything suspicious.
- Limit distractions, such as checking or talking on your cellphone, when walking to or from your car.
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- Avoid driving with windows open, keep the doors locked and lock valuables out of sight. Install smash-and-grab window protection if possible.
- If you suspect you are being followed, make a couple of false turns. If someone is still following you, drive to the nearest police station.
- Leave enough room between you and the car in front of you to avoid being boxed in.
- Slowdown in such a way that the light is green by the time you reach a traffic light, especially late at night – this prevents you coming to a complete stop and reduces your risk of becoming a target.
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- Always park in a safe, well-lit area.
- There are also seven golden rules to follow if you are confronted by a hijacker:
- Remain calm
- Do not argue
- Do not make sudden gestures
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- Avoid eye contact but try to remember what the carjacker looked like by identifying and remembering special features.
- Comply with the hijacker’s directions (within reason)
- Try and get away from the area as quickly as possible
- Don’t be a hero – your life is worth more than your car.
The video of the recent attempted hijacking of a Porsche driver in Johannesburg:
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