Hi-jacking and car theft on the increase
A recent spate of motor vehicle thefts and hi-jackings in the region, and in the province at large, have been keeping local security companies busy.
According to Willie Smit of K9 Anti-Hijacking and High Risk Unit, the perpetrators usually go after high-end Toyota bakkies and Ford Rangers.
On Tuesday, August 28, a Toyota GD-6 bakkie was hi-jacked at Kgapane outside Tzaneen. The victim was taken hostage.
The car was later recovered at Dzumeri village in the Giyani area.
On the same day another bakkie loaded with avocados was allegedly hi-jacked in the Bolebedu area.
Later the same week, a Ford Ranger was stolen in Lenyenye and a Toyota Hilux pick-up truck and Toyota Quantum in Malamulele.
Smit and his associates, including the police’s Mopani District Operational Command Centre (DOCC), Mopani Tactical Response Team (TRT), and the police in Kgapane and Malamulele among others, were able to track and recover the vehicles.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, August 31, the Limpopo Tracking Team and the Mahwelereng Flying Squad conducted a joint operation, where they arrested two suspects for allegedly attempting to smuggle hijacked vehicles worth R1.2 million.
The suspects, a 52-year-old man and Lesotho national (25) were intercepted the next day at Nyl Plaza Tollgate in Mokopane.
Also read: Hijacking awareness may just be your saving grace
“The suspects were immediately arrested after the initial probe indicated that the vehicles (Toyota Hilux Legend 50 and Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD6) were hijacked at Tembisa and Hartbeespoort in Gauteng.
“The investigations indicated that the cars were to be smuggled into Zambia via Beitbridge port of entry,” explained police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo.
Smit told the Herald that there is a trend whereby thieves steal cars in other provinces and drive through Limpopo, including Tzaneen, to the borders of Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
He encourages motorists to install radio frequency tracking units as it aids and speeds up the recovery of stolen vehicles. Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu of Tzaneen Police Station, said they have recorded only one case of car theft in the region in August.
Also read:19 tips to protect yourself against hijackings
Nkhwashu advises motorists; to be observant when driving especially at night; to always check the door handle if indeed the car is locked when using a remote to lock and to avoid giving strangers lifts at night.
Always report stolen and suspicious vehicles to your nearest police station or dial 08600 10111.
