Motorists urged to be aware of car hijackings

Motorists travelling along the N14, R503, R53 and R52 roads between Ventersdorp and Coligny, Coligny and Lichtenburg and Ventersdorp and Koster are urged to exercise caution when stopping alongside the road. If another motorist orders you to stop, he may well be a hijacking suspect.

According to Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the NW SAPS spokesperson, there have recently been incidents where unknown suspects have hijacked vehicles.

In August, a group of suspects wearing traffic uniform stopped a 34-year-old victim close to Lichtenburg. ‘They demanded his licence and pointed a firearm at him.

They put him in the back of his bakkie and left him next to the road somewhere between Ventersdorp and Krugersdorp and drove off,’ says Myburgh.

In an unrelated incident, also in August, a 28-year-old victim stopped and offered a hitchhiker a lift on the N14 between Ventersdorp and Coligny. A few minutes later,

two more persons appeared next to the road and he also gave them a lift. When he stopped to drop one of the people off near Coligny, the hijackers assaulted him with a wheel spanner and left him next to the road before speeding off in his Polo Vivo.’

Motorists should put on their hazard lights and drive to the nearest police station if they feel threatened
‘The police are urging motorists to exercise caution when unknown persons stop them. They should report such incidents to the nearest police station. If a police or traffic officer stops them and they feel unsafe or threatened, they should put on their hazard lights and slowly drive to the nearest police station,’ advised Myburgh.

She has also warned motorists against offering hitchhikers a lift or stopping next to the road, except in an emergency. ‘People stopping to relieve themselves have also fallen victim to this kind of crime,’ she said.

Police offer the following safety hints to curb car hijackings incidents:
• A well-maintained car is less likely to break down and leave you vulnerable.
• Plan your route and let someone know what it is and when to expect you at your destination.
• Always check the rear view mirror to see if someone is following you.
• Avoid driving with your windows open and keep the doors locked and put all valuables out of sight.
• Avoid distractions like using a cell phone while driving.
• If you suspect someone is following you, drive to your nearest police station or a busy public area.
• When approaching a red traffic light, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green, especially at night.
• If possible, park in a central, well-lit place, preferably with guards on duty.
• When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of you so you can make an emergency escape if necessary.
• Avoid driving through unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid driving late at night or early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Drive in the centre lane away from pedestrians where possible.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• Never pick up hitchhikers or strangers.
• Change your route often.
• If possible, avoid driving in the dark. Hijackers may stage a minor accident like bumping your vehicle from behind. If you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate that he or she must follow you and drive to the nearest police station or any busy public area for help.