Brakpan police are investigating three hijacking cases, including two involving kidnappings, that took place on November 18.

According to SAPS information, the first incident occurred at around 11:00 at the corner of Lawrence Street and Rangeview Road in Dalpark.

The delivery driver of a white Kia K2700, accompanied by an assistant, were stationary at the traffic lights when a man armed with a gun climbed in the vehicle’s passenger side and forced the assistant aside.

The gunman ordered the driver to keep moving and directed him towards the Boksburg Stadium. When they arrived, another man was waiting and opened the driver’s door.

He blindfolded the driver with a cloth and tied his hands. Both the driver and his assistant were then forced into the boot of another vehicle.

The pair were driven around before the vehicle eventually stopped. They were ordered to walk away and not look back.

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After the hijackers left, they sought help from a young man on a nearby road. A hijacking and kidnapping case has been opened.

Later that evening, at around 19:20, a Hamilton Avenue resident was hijacked as she arrived home. As she approached her gate, two armed men confronted her, pointed a firearm at her and demanded the keys to her grey Volkswagen Tiguan.

The hijackers then forced the woman, her husband and another family member into the vehicle and drove them to Daveyton.

They took the victims’ cellphones and made transactions from the woman’s bank account. After removing the vehicle’s tracker, the hijackers left, and the victims walked to nearby houses to seek assistance.

A hijacking and kidnapping case has been registered. In a separate incident at around 19:40, a motorcyclist was ambushed at the corner of Station and New Kleinfontein roads.

A small silver Renault blocked his path, after which a passenger from the car climbed out and pointed a gun at him.

The rider fled on foot, leaving his motorbike and belongings behind. A hijacking case has been opened. Police investigations into all three incidents are ongoing.

ALSO CHECK: Brakpan police seek public help to identify body found on New Kleinfontein Road

Safety 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 along with you.

• Vary the route you travel to work and back if this is possible.

• If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.

• If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they loiter for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.

• 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.

• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if forced from the car. Your life is more valuable than your possessions. Do not resist.

• 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.

• If possible, put up a mirror against the front wall of your garage to see if someone is following you into the garage.

• Do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.