EVERYONE knows someone who has been the victim of a criminal act or has been the victim himself.
There are ways to survive.
Regardless of the type of crime and criminals’ intentions, the situation is an explosive one in which you have to focus to survive.
Crimes like hijacking involve planning. The criminals are likely to have more experience in such situations, therefore more control over you and themselves. They are probably just as scared and nervous as the people they are targeting.
They may even be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which may make their actions even more unpredictable.
Many crimes, for instance hijacking, are usually over in seconds or minutes, but are one of the most frightening experiences one can go through.
While it is happening, try your utmost to stay calm. Listen to the criminals and do as they tell you, as it gives you a greater chance of surviving. Your life and those with you must be your priority. Resisting your assailants may cause them to become violent or even deadly.
Try not to panic and do anything the criminals may not be expecting. Do not scream or make sudden movements, such as motioning with your hands. Keep your hands where the attackers can see them, ideally at chest level. This will assure them that you are not reaching for a weapon. Do not raise your hands above your head as they may think you are trying to attract the attention of other people.
If the criminals order you out of your car, wait for them to open the door or, if they order you to, do it slowly with one hand, keeping the other where they can see it. Also undo your seatbelt with one hand, preferably the hand furthest from the clip, by extending your arm over your body.
Slowly move away from the car, so that you cannot be perceived as a threat to them. Listen carefully to and make sure you understand what the criminals are saying and follow their orders.
Also, avoid eye contact with them.
Quietly but clearly assure the criminals that they can take the your possessions. Tell them where the items they require are and wait for them to get the items themselves, or they may tell you to hand them over.
Be honest with the criminals. Finding out or suspecting you have lied to them may unsettle them, make them nervous or aggressive and lead to them becoming violent. Tell them honestly how to deactivate any alarms or immobilisers or do it yourself, as ordered.
Try and concentrate on the possibility of later identifying the criminals. Make mental notes of how many there are, what they are wearing, their ages, and any facial or other physical characteristics. Do not be obvious, do not stare at them. To the criminals this means that you will later be able to identify them and give evidence against them, and they could become violent or decide to kill you.
In case of a hijacking, the men may not notice a sleeping baby in the back seat. Tell them and point out that the child is not a threat and will make things more difficult for them. Never move to release the child without them saying you may. Do the same if a pet is in the car, but do not push the point to where your life may be threatened at the expense of an animal.
If ordered to lie down, do so and remain there with your head down. Do not watch them. Stay still until you are sure they have left and only then go for help.
In the case of a hijacking, the hijackers may drive off with you, or you may even be ordered to drive. If you are driving, do so responsibly and do not do anything out of the ordinary. Always remain quiet unless you need to reply to a question or clarify an order. Remember to be honest with them.
Once you have been released, make sure that you are out of harm’s reach before moving to get help.
Information: www.saps.gov.za
