Possessions can be replaced, a life cannot.

Earlier today a man was shot at the N2 Tongaat toll plaza in what appears to have been an attempted hi-jacking.

We spoke to KZN police spokesperson Major Thulani Zwane for advice on what to do when faced with hijackers.

“Remember, the hijackers are probably just as scared and nervous as you are.

“Try not to panic and do anything they may not be expecting.

“Do not scream or make sudden movements, such as motioning with your hands.

“Resisting may cause them to become violent or even deadly,” said Zwane.

He offered the following advice:

1. Be non-threatening and compliant

Avoid eye contact. Keep your hands where the hijackers can see them, ideally at chest level.

If they order you out of the car, wait for them to open the door or, if they order you to hand them the keys, do it slowly with one hand, keeping the other where they can see it.

Slowly move away from the car so that you cannot be perceived as a threat.

Listen carefully to make sure you understand what the hijackers are saying and follow their orders.

Quietly but clearly assure them they can take the car.

Do not reach for or motion towards items they may demand such as wallets, briefcases and cell phones.

Rather tell them where they are and wait for them to get them themselves or they tell you to hand them over.

Be honest with hijackers. For example, if you have a firearm on you and they ask, tell them you have.

Finding out or suspecting you have lied to them may unsettle them and lead to violence.

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.

2. Stay alert

Concentrate on the possibility of later identifying the hijackers.

Make mental notes of how many there are, what they are wearing, their ages, and any facial or other physical characteristics.

However, do not stare at them; try not to be obvious.

Hijackers may not notice a sleeping baby in the back seat.

If this is the case, 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.

3. Call the police as soon as possible

Once you have been released, make sure that you are out of harm’s reach before moving to get help.

As soon as the hijackers have left you immediately report the crime to the police.

The police have a greater chance of catching the criminals while they are on the move in your car.

4. Go for counselling

You experience severe trauma through a hijacking, trauma that can manifest itself in many different ways soon or long after the incident.

You need to get professional counselling to help you process what happened and cope with it emotionally.

Seek help within hours of the hijacking.

Do not fool yourself into thinking you will “get over it”.

Remember that you are not to blame for anything that happened.

Criminals are constantly looking for new opportunities and situations that make their potential victims vulnerable.