Cops warn about a spike in hijackings

According to the Kathorus SAPS media liaison officer, Capt Mega Ndobe, the police have been receiving an unusual amount of reported stolen and highjacked vehicles.

Ndobe confirmed that a large percentage of the cases occur at night, which means the victims were violating curfew regulations.

“This could lead to the owner or driver of a vehicle at the time of the theft or highjacking facing a criminal case for violating the curfew regulations.” Ndobe explained that the owner of the vehicle could also end up forfeiting the insurance cover for the vehicle due to the insurer rejecting their claim because the vehicle was used to break the law.

“Unless you have a very good reason to be driving your vehicle during curfew, anything that happens to you and your car outside these hours will be considered a violation of the curfew regulations,” Ndobe explained.

He explained most vehicle theft and hijackings can be avoided if motorists adhered to precaution and stayed vigilant when on the road.

He said: “They must obey the law and avoid driving at night unnecessarily, avoid parking in secluded and unlit spots at night, always be alert and on the lookout for strange vehicles following you.

“In such an event, don’t drive straight to your destination, take a detour. If the vehicle continues to follow you, drive straight to the nearest police station. Most motorists are often highjacked outside their gate; avoid this by being vigilant.

“Never leave your garage or gate open when you reach home. Avoid parking on the pavement outside your destination. Avoid drinking and driving.”

Ndobe said although the police are doing everything possible to crush vehicle crimes in the townships, the public must play their role and point out known criminals to the police.

“The police cannot be everywhere at all times. We rely on the public to identify these criminals and lead the police to them,” said Ndobe.

He added the police have in the past weeks increased anti-crime operations in a number of areas and known hot spots will be targeted.

Ndobe told Kathorus MAIL that the Kathorus SAPS is searching for a BMW that was involved in a shoot-out which resulted in the death of a tow truck driver and injury to two women between Vosloorus and Katlehong on June 19.
The apparent three suspects involved fled the scene in a BMW.

“Our members were summoned to a shooting incident where a tow truck driver had been shot and killed. Two women, who are believed to have been with the tow truck driver at the time of the accident, were rushed to the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital with bullets wounds to the upper body and legs.”

Ndobe has urged the public who may have heard or seen anything to please come forward.

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