Alarming spike in car hijackings
Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, says there is an alarming spike in car hijackings in the Westenburg policing area
POLOKWANE – Westenburg police spokesperson, Capt Mohlaka Mashiane, says there is an alarming spike in car hijackings in the Westenburg policing area.
“Cab drivers in the city are the latest easy targets of hijackers who pretend to be customers until they reach their destination and then steal the vehicle at gunpoint,” said Mashiane.
This after a cab driver was hijacked last Friday when he was called to transport a man from Polokwane to Emdo Park near Seshego.
When they arrived in Emdo Park at the requested destination, the customer took out a gun and pointed it at the cab driver. He demanded that the cab driver get out of the vehicle, and the hijacker drove off with the vehicle.
Always be on the lookout
“The stolen vehicle is a blue 2006 Volkswagen Polo with the registration number CWN 909 L. We advise cab drivers that when they pick up clients to make sure they have full details of the person or persons before travelling. Make sure you verify the information given with an ID or drivers licence and report it to the control room. Also report to the control room where you are leaving from and where you are heading to. This will help with safety and security. In cases where it is a man to man agreement and there is no control room to report to, make sure when the client calls for transport you get his or her details over the phone and when you arrive at the pick up spot you confirm the details with an ID or driver’s licence,” Mashiane said.
He also advised cab drivers who engage in man to man agreements to always give a friend or family member the information of the client being transported and also their location, where his travel from and where he is travelling to.
Safety is first
In another incident, also last Friday night, a man who was waiting for his girlfriend in his car outside the yard in front of the gate, was hijacked in Nirvana.
The hijacker grabbed the man and tied his hands with cable ties. He then drove off with the man and dropped him off near Zebediela. A passerby found the man stranded on the road and gave him a lift to the Lebowakgomo police station, where he called someone to come and fetch him,” Mashiane said.
The stolen vehicle is a white Mercedes Vito with the registration number DDY 285 L. In both incidents the vehicles are still missing and no arrests have been made yet.
Mashiane urged motorists to be alert and cautious when travelling. He requested motorists not to be negligent by leaving their vehicles’ doors and windows open when waiting for someone, and to rather wait for someone in a safe environment.
“If you are waiting for someone, ask that you park your vehicle inside their premises for your own safety and security. If you cannot go inside the premises, make sure your windows are closed and you observe your surroundings. If you suspect anything suspicious rather drive around the block and call the person and say they must let you know when they are outside,” Mashiane advised.
