Hijacking and vehicle theft on the increase
Hijackings and the theft of motor vehicles have increased dramatically. This is according to Katlehong SAPS?s spokesperson Constable Sivenkosi Mtwa.
We’ve noticed an increase of at least 10 motor vehicles that are stolen a month,” said Mtwa, who attributed the spike to driver or owner negligence.
Mtwa appealed to motorists to be vigilant when driving around the townships during all hours of the day and night. He said many of these vehicles are reported hijacked or stolen as the owner or the person driving arrives or leaves home or while parked outside the yard or even inside the owner’s premises.
Mtwa added that while many hijacked or stolen vehicles around Katlehong are often never found.”Those that have been recovered have either some parts removed before the vehicle is dumped elsewhere.”
According to Mtwa, while the overall crime rate has decreased, motorists should be always on the alert and watch out for hijackers and car thieves.
ALSO READ:
We appeal to motorists around Katlehong to be always vigilant, he said.
Mtwa told Kathorus MAIL that while several crimes such as murder, rape and housebreaking have decreased dramatically since the lockdown, he said the police have been forced to re-direct their attention and manpower to crimes of theft.
Mutwa confirmed that while there were no reported killings during any of the hijackings or theft of vehicles around the township, the police were working hard to track and arrest those involved.
He pointed out that while vehicle hijacking and vehicle theft were on the increase, several other major crimes had decreased since the beginning of the lockdown.
The police in Katlehong has recorded a marginal decline of crimes such as murder, rape, house burglaries, domestic violence and child abuse.
The police in Katlehong also has had no reports of major violent crimes in the area since the beginning of the lockdown. The Katlehong SAPS spokesperson reiterated his plea to residents the townships? suburbs not to be complacent and lower their guards.
He appealed to residents not to Park their vehicles on the pavements outside their homes.·
Always ensure that their vehicles are locked at all times and the windows are closed.
ALSO READ:
Avoid places where there is a high crime rate. It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure the safety of their life and property as the police cannot be everywhere at all times.
As much as the police are there to fight crime and protect residents, it is also up to every individual to avoid getting caught in the crime wave,” Mutwa said..
