In a disturbing reminder of rising crime rates in South Africa, a police officer from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit was hijacked in broad daylight while driving an unmarked police vehicle in Carletonville.

The hijacking occurred on May 6, at approximately 13:30, as the constable was driving into Carletonville from Westonaria. The incident took place on Carleton Jones Drive.

According to reports, the police officer was ambushed when a white vehicle suddenly stopped in front of his single-cab Nissan police bakkie. As he was forced to stop, two armed suspects wearing balaclavas and speaking isiZulu approached the vehicle and held the officer at gunpoint.

The suspects forced the constable into their vehicle and covered his face with a balaclava to prevent identification. During the ride, the hijackers reportedly told the officer that they had hijacked him by mistake, claiming they were targeting someone else. Despite the alleged error, the assailants continued with the hijacking.

The officer was later found tied up and abandoned in an open veld. His unmarked police vehicle was discovered near Doornfontein, but several items were missing. The hijackers escaped with his government-issued firearm, official cellphone, and personal cellphone.

Hijackings in Carletonville and surrounding areas like Westonaria remain a major concern, with criminals becoming increasingly bold and violent.

Police investigations are ongoing, and authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to contact local law enforcement immediately.