Community warned of increase in hijacking and kidnappings in the west
"They hijack you, hold you hostage and commit crimes with your car. After committing those crimes, they come back and give you your car then let you go."
Pretoria West police have warned community members about an increase in hijackings and kidnappings in the area.
Spokesperson Sibongile Vuma said a new modus operandi had been noticed, where victims were hijacked and held hostage. The suspects would then use the victim’s car to commit crimes.
“They hijack you, hold you hostage and commit crimes with your car. After committing those crimes, they come back and give you your car back and then let you go.
“We want to urge the community to report such incidents to the police immediately so that the car can be tested for DNA and fingerprints can be taken.”
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Vuma said those who failed to report such incidents ran the risk of being charged with being the ones who committed the crimes as some of the cars could be seen on CCTV footage at the places where crimes were committed.
“Some owners are so relieved after being let go that their lives have been spared and their cars have been given back to them, without knowing their cars have been used to commit crimes.
“We would like to advise them that as soon as the car is in your possession, drive to the nearest police station and report the incident.”
She also advised those who have been recently hijacked, or have had their cars stolen, not to fall victim to scammers who call them, saying their cars have been found and they needed to pay money before they could collect them at a police station.
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“If anyone calls you claiming to be the police saying that your car has been recovered, never pay any money they say you should pay. Rather go to the police where you reported about your car being stolen or hijacked. The only thing you need to have are the papers of the car.
“No money is required for you to get your car back. Police are still investigating who is leaking the information of the victims to the scammers because they give the exact details of how your car was stolen or hijacked.”
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