Cops warn of increasing hijacking reports in Thokoza

Thokoza SAPS has issued warnings of a gradual increase of night hijackings in sectors two and three around the Thokoza policing precinct.

According to information from the police, the trend is more active in Sebotsa, Motumisi, Maphale, Khumalo and Senokwane streets in sector two and Mandisa Street in sector three.

Thokoza SAPS media liaison officer Capt Buyisile Mvelase said the hijackings happen between 20:00 and 01:00.

Mvelase said the people who are affected the most are women because they stop on the driveway to chat, without checking their surroundings for anything suspicious.

She explained another place where people get hijacked is their residential homes.

“The criminals wait for you to leave the vehicle to open the gate before they attack you and drive off with both you and the vehicle and drop you off in an open field or an unfamiliar area. They approach either on foot or with a vehicle,” she said.

“We are appealing to the community, when you drive and are approaching your home, observe for unfamiliar suspicious people or cars around.

“If you suspect an unfamiliar suspicious vehicle waiting near your home or you suspect that you are being followed, you must drive to the police station, you can ask the police to safely escort you to your home,” said Mvelase.

What is being done to curb the hijacking?

She said the Thokoza Crime Prevention and the CPF will have a meeting with the block committees to implement patrols during those times.

“People from those particular streets must come out to patrol or create patrol groups for the whole block,” she noted.

Mvelase said whoever wants to be an informer should come forward at the police station to register.

“Informers are registered so that when they know criminal activities that are happening in their areas, they can give information to the police.

“With the hijackings, we will implement patrols and the police will also concentrate on those areas around that time because we can see that it is getting out of hand,” she said.

She compiled safety tips to guide community members to avoid falling victim.

Hijacking safety tips

• Always park in a safe and well-lit area

• Avoid sitting in the car at night, criminals are taking advantage of unsuspecting motorists

• Always ensure that your doors are locked and windows are closed. Check the backseat before getting into the car, even if you left it locked

• Do not resist, fight or argue as this can result in injury or death. Remember, your life and the lives of your loved ones cannot be replaced

• Changing your route can give you a 50% chance of not becoming a victim. You have to leave from the same place every morning, but you should change your route from your house to your destination

• Always be aware of your surroundings and look out for anything suspicious. Be observant, look far ahead and what is going on around you at the intersection at night

Mvelase explained that in a scenario of a hijacking, the hijacker is focused on doing the job, which is taking the car and no one should get in the way of that.

“There are two types of hijackers, professional and amateurs who are the most dangerous. They will not hesitate to use violence to get what they want,” she concluded.