Police in the West Rand District have warned motorists to be alert now more than ever following a number of hijacking incidents in the District.
Major General Kekana, West Rand District Police commissioner said he was concerned and warned all motorists to be vigilant and observant when travelling in the area, citing recent incidents in both Krugersdorp and Randfontein.
Sergeant Gloria Maswanganye, spokesperson for the West Rand District Police explained that at about 10.30am on Tuesday, 11 May, a 33-year-old man driving a white Polo TSI was hijacked on Robert Broom Drive and later dropped off in Florida. The thugs also took his cellphones and a laptop.
In Muldersdrift, a man in a red Polo TS was driving on the N14, and when he stopped at the traffic light next to Cradlestone Mall an unknown man pointed a firearm at him and ordered him to get out of the vehicle.
“They forced him into their white Chevrolet. He was blindfolded and dropped off at an unknown place.”
In Randfontein, a man in a Ford Ranger was driving on the R28 at about 8pm on Tuesday, 11 May. When he stopped at a stop sign, three men – two of them with firearms – ordered him to open the driver-side door.
They pulled him out but the man fought them off and managed to escape. He reported the incident and his vehicle was recovered in Mohlakeng.
“Police launched a manhunt for these hijackers, and they are following up on information given to them. We are appealing to community members to come forward with information that can lead to the arrest of these hijackers,” added Sergeant Maswanganye.
Hijackings hotspots have been identified as Magaliesburg, Hekpoort, Tarlton R24 Road, Muldersdrift N14, R28, R559, R500, R501, N12, R41 and Impala Roads.
The police have also shared some tips to help keep motorists safe:
• The 5-minute rule: Make it a habit to focus on your surroundings when you are five minutes away from your home. Be extra alert. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If you have noticed any vehicle behind you, do not pull into your driveway or even attempt to open your security gate. Drive to your nearest police station.
• Keep it in reverse: Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you. Try not to pull into your driveway, rather wait in the road with your indicator on while observing your surroundings before turning into your driveway or garage.
• Light it up: Make sure your driveway is well-lit and clear of shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Extra eyes: When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate.
• Watch out for traps: If you have trouble with your motorised gate when you arrive home, do not get out of your vehicle to open it manually as this may be a trap. Alert your security company.
• Keep those eyes peeled: When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles or persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.
• Know where your nearest police station is: Only pull over when it’s safe. Some syndicates use bogus police or traffic officers. In the event of being approached by an unmarked police vehicle, you should switch on your hazards, put your hand out of the window and indicate that they should follow you. Bogus police are driving unmarked white sedan vehicles with blue lights.
• Don’t stop if you don’t feel safe: If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, drive to your nearest police station and instruct the person to follow you there.
• Reverse and drive away: If you encounter obstacles in the road such as rocks or tyres, do not get out of your vehicle to remove them.
• The escape gap: When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
• Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
