Taxi operators warned about hijackings in the north
Recently Rietgat police noticed a developing crime tactic where taxi operators are hijacked by thugs masquerading as pastors.
Rietgat police, CPF and the Youth for Survival embarked on a hijacking awareness campaign to sensitise the taxi operators at Mabopane station taxi rank recently.
Rietgat police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka said lately, police noticed a developing crime tactic where taxi operators are hijacked by thugs masquerading as pastors.
Last week, Maluleka said a man was hijacked in his VW Kombi T6 by men who were wearing church regalia when he was called to pick up two people next to clinic 3 in block BB.
“He was requested to proceed to Mabopane station to pick up other pastors for the trip to Roodepoort on Saturday afternoon.
“After he collected others purported to be from the same church at Mabopane station, two of them pulled out firearms. He was instructed to give them the vehicle’s keys.”
He said the investigation suggests that the same modus operandi was used earlier this year where a vehicle was also hijacked by suspects who claimed to be from a church near clinic 3 in block BB.
Maluleka said they talked to over 400 operators and handed out pamphlets warning them to be vigilant and get well equipped with information.
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“Most operators, who spoke on condition of anonymity, shared important information that will help curb crime within the area.”
Station commander of Rietgat police Brigadier Molatelo Maphoto assured residents there won’t be any space for criminals to breathe under his watch.
“I’m here to squeeze crime to zero, but the only way to achieve that is through our community. Please share that valuable information so that we turn it into the arrests of perpetrators,” said Maphoto.
Maluleka said anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of any suspects terrorising the community in one way or another or experiencing criminal activity should call Rietgat SAPS at 071 675 6250 or 012 432 7806/07 or the Crime Stop hotline on 08600 10111 or give a tip via MySAPS App, downloadable free on Istore and Playstore.
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