Police warn against hijackers
Police have warned residents against a rise in hijackings in Pretoria North.
Corlia Kruger
Pretoria North police warns against hijackers targeting the north and surrounding areas.
Police spokesperson, Rebecca Phatlane, said police were investigating a recent case of attempted hijacking in the area.
Phatlane told Rekord on Friday that a driver was attacked and almost hijacked on the corner of Fauna and Florauna streets.
According to the driver, an unknown man was crossing the road in front of him and as he waited and another man opened the passenger door of his vehicle.
The driver was taken by surprise and baffled at how quickly the man got the door unlocked. According to him, all the doors were locked and the windows ‘slightly’ open.
The man, who apparently opened the lock inside through the window, assaulted the driver.
The driver fought back against his assailant and after a while the man fled, along with his accomplice who had crossed the street and distracted the driver.
Phatlane says nothing was stolen, but warns other motorists to be on the lookout for suspicious men in the area.
Statistics done over the past three years show that hijackings occur almost every day of the week. More hijackings are reported on Fridays, as there is an increase of traffic and more vehicles on the road. Drivers are also seen as more relaxed and not as vigilant before the start of a weekend.
To avoid becoming a hijack victim, drivers are asked to keep their doors locked and windows closed when stopping at intersections. Be vigilant at all times on the road.
Drivers should take heed not to talk on cellphones while driving, as it not only distracts you from the road but makes you an easy target of smash-and-grab thieves.
All hijack or attempted hijackings must be reported at the nearest police station, so that high-risk areas may be identified.
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