Hijackers targeting ‘holy areas’
Hijackers in Centurion are targeting faith healers operating in ‘holy areas’.
People should be alert to hijackers when visiting the Sterkfontein area in Centurion for holy rituals, police warned this week.
Lyttelton police spokesperson Warrant Officer Hero Gumbu said the thieves had struck three times in one week at the spot just past Irene.
“People visit the site with faith healers at all times of the day. Hijackers have noticed this and started targeting people who visit the area to perform rituals,” Gumbu said.
He added: “The criminals wait for people to arrive and then hijack them. They throw the people in the boot of the car, and drop them off much further away.”
A faith healer who regularly visits the area said he performed a variety of rituals with people seeking help. Sangomas and faith healers from various denominations made use of the area.
Some slaughtered chickens and doused the people in blood while others forced them to walk naked through the nearby Olifantspruit River.
“I have previously been attacked when I visited the area. They shot at me seven times, but never hit me. I know this area is dangerous, but I will continue to come here.”
Gumbu said that the police respected residents’ freedom to visit areas they wished but urged them to be cautious. “We cannot stop people from visiting the area but they need to be aware vigilant.”
Also read:
Attempted hijackers arrested in Centurion
Teachers robbed outside crèche
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 072 435 7717.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
- We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.
