Magaliesburg Police have recovered a stolen vehicle and hijacked bakkie in two separate incidents on Monday, November 15 and Tuesday, November 16.
As per a media statement from the West Rand District Police Commissioner Major General Fred Kekana, “Sergeants Reuben Minies and Mncedisi Makhatsu recovered a green Golf 3 vehicle in Hekpoort and arrested one male suspect aged 30. This came after the members received a look-out for a stolen motor vehicle from a police communications channel. Members spotted the vehicle on the R24 Rustenburg Road towards Rustenburg. They chased the vehicle and managed to apprehend the suspect at Maanhaarrand, Rustenburg Road in Hekpoort.”
Regarding the second incident, Major General Kekana explained that a suspect aged 22 was arrested on the R24 in Krugersdorp West on Tuesday while in possession of a hijacked bakkie.
“Sergeants Minies and Makhatsu received a complaint about a hijacked white Nissan Almera motor vehicle from Rustenburg Police early in the morning and reacted immediately. Members spotted a vehicle matching the description on the R24 Rustenburg Road and followed it towards Krugersdorp. Members stopped the vehicle and apprehended the suspect,” Major General Kekana said.
“Motor vehicle hijacking causes unbearable pain to victims as they suffer emotionally, economically and sometimes physically as a result of being assaulted and/ or kidnapped. Therefore the public is warned to be vigilant when driving on N12, R28, N14, R48, R24 and other busy roads across the District. All arrested suspects are expected to appear in the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court soon.”
Kekana warned the community to be aware of suspects fitting the following description: “They use blue lights and impersonate police officers to trick their victims. They place obstacles like rocks on the road to let you stop and become a victim. They signal you that something is wrong with your vehicle and, when you stop, they prey on you.”
The following safety tips were provided by the police:
• Do not park next to the road in remote areas to answer a cell phone.
• Ensure that you drive with your vehicle doors locked.
• Pay careful attention to your surroundings, especially when your vehicle is moving slowly or when you are about to come to a complete stop.
• Drive to the nearest police station if you suspect that you are being followed.
• Make use of the police’s Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.
