POLOKWANE – Following the attempted hijacking on a businessman last week, which was reported on in the Review of January 29 to February 4, no arrests have been made as yet.
According to the provincial crime statistics for the period April 2013 to March 2014, 252 hijacking incidents were reported.
Polokwane police spokesperson, WO Lesiba Ramoshaba, shared different hijacking modus operandi and warned motorists to be aware at all times.
“The policing of Polokwane lies not only with the police itself, but with each and every individual. Residents must be alert at all times and know what danger signs to look out for,” Ramoshaba warned.
Common methods of hijacking include:
• The bump: the attacker bumps into a victim’s vehicle from behind. The victim gets out giving access to his vehicle and himself.
• The good Samaritan: the attacker stages an accident or simulates an injury. The victim stops to assist and the vehicle is taken.
• The ruse: the attacker flashes his vehicle’s lights behind the victim’s vehicle. The victim pulls over and the vehicle is stolen.
• The trap: hijackers follow victims home. The victim gets out of his vehicle and the vehicle is taken.
• The block: the attacker intervenes at a busy intersection or crossing blocking the lane the victim’s vehicle is in, while an accomplice steals the vehicle.
