Last Friday saw two motorists robbed of their vehicles along Elsburg Road (R554), near Dalpark.
Both were driving Hyundais.
According to information received from Brakpan police, the first victim was hijacked at around 08:30 after being pulled over by criminals masquerading as law enforcers.
The driver, travelling in a Hyundai H100, was instructed to pull over by the occupants of a blue BMW with blue lights and a siren.
After stopping on the roadside, the victim was approached by two men, one of whom was dressed in full metro police uniform.
The ‘officer’ wanted to know why the driver hadn’t immediately stopped when he was instructed to do so and told him he was taking him to the police station.
ALSO READ: Residents urged to be careful of alternative power solutions
On the way to the police station, however, the driver was again told to stop. A gold-coloured BMW was parked nearby and he was approached by a man from this vehicle.
The man reached into the Hyundai and removed the key from the ignition. The driver was taken to this BMW where a cloth was stuffed in his mouth and his head was covered.
His hands and feet were bound with shoelaces. He was robbed of his cellphone and his attackers demanded his bank pin. They also took his wallet and cash.
The victim was driven around and later released in a secluded area. Before leaving, the hijackers removed the cover from his head and returned his wallet to him.
The victim sought help from passersby. The second hijacking took place later that evening at around 19:25.
ALSO READ: New one-stop ombud scheme is a win for consumers
The driver of a Hyundai Tucson was stationary at a red traffic light when three men climbed into his car.
They overpowered the victim by strangling him.
He was then tied up with rope and driven to an unidentified location. An additional charge of kidnapping was opened in connection with this case.
While police are putting in every effort to combat hijackings along this route, and other hijacking hotspots in Brakpan, motorists are encouraged to take note of the following tips:
• Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed.
• Do not leave your vehicle unlocked, even if you think you will be away for only a minute.
• Avoid stopping at remote places.
• Park your vehicle in places that are well lit.
• If a stranger wants to talk to you while in your vehicle, do not open the window wide. Only 5cm is enough to have a discussion.
• If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
• Limit your trips at night or at least take someone with you.
• Vary the route you travel to work and back if possible.
• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
• Hijackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car.
• If your car is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
• Leave everything behind if forced from the car. Your life is more valuable than your possessions. Do not resist. Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
• A lift club limits the risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not give strangers a lift.
