Hijackings on the rise in Heidelberg area
Reports have recently come to light of an increase in hijackings in the Heidelberg area, with two recent incidents involving three male perpetrators wearing balaclavas.
On November 12 at about 19:00 at the N3 Poortjie Bridge, the driver of a Nissan Duke stopped his vehicle and was overpowered by three men wearing balaclavas.
He was pushed to the passenger side and taken to a river near Zonkisizwe where his arms were tied.
The victim was then moved to another vehicle, a black Volkswagen and dropped off near Sky City Mall in Vereeniging.
No shots were fired during the ordeal.
A case was opened at the Kathehong SAPS and was transferred to Heidelberg SAPS.
On November 15, a driver of a Renault Triber was travelling on the N3 towards Johannesburg when he stopped just after the Benoni bridge at approximately 20:45.
Three men approached him and forced him back into his car where his hands and feet were tied.
He was taken to a place near a river where his cellphone and bank cards were taken.
The victim was then assaulted until he revealed his bank PIN.
As he did not have enough finances in his account, he was forced to phone family members to transfer money.
He was left in the field with his hands still tied.
While no shots were fired, the victim sustained minor injuries.
A case was opened at the Kliprivier SAPS and transferred to the Heidelberg SAPS.
