Pretoria West residents warned about hijackings and stokvel payouts

Pretoria West police have warned residents to be extra vigilant during the festive season as they are still coping with an increase in hijackings in the area.

“People in West View and Lotus Gardens should especially be careful,” said police spokesperson Constable Sibongile Vuma.

“While driving, look at the cars that have been following you for a while. Try changing routes and see whether that car will not stop following you.”

He also warned residents of West Fort, West Park and Kwaggasrand to be careful “because the criminals know that these areas become quiet from 19:00”.

“Before opening your gate, please be aware of your surroundings because that is when they can pounce on you.”

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Vuma said a new trend was that people were hijacked and taken to an ATM where they are forced to withdraw money.

“They will force you to show them your app before forcing you to give them your cards to withdraw the money.”

Vuma also warned stokvel members who will be sharing their money to be aware of “bank followings”.

“After withdrawing money, people must check whether anyone is following them. We would also advise them to share their money electronically rather than going to the bank and withdrawing large sums of money.

“Sharing the money electronically makes it easier and reduces their chances of being robbed. Also, avoid telling friends or family members where and when you will be sharing your money because the friends or family members might share that information with criminals.”

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Tips:

– Do not share information of when and where you are going to share your stokvel dividends with anyone.

– Avoid hiring the cars of people you do not know to accompany you to the bank.

– Avoid posting on social media about your check-ins and checkouts.

– Refrain from carrying large sums of money.

– Be careful of stokvel members who are behind on their savings as some may have ill intentions.

– Avoid showing off new things that you bought with your money.

– The executive of the stokvel can make arrangements with the bank to transfer their cash directly to each member’s account instead of physically collecting cash, to avoid being targeted by criminals.

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