The Jeppe Police Station’s management has raised concerns about the spate of carjacking in their precinct and urges motorists to apply caution on the roads.
According to the police, there has been an increase in carjacking crimes in areas like Bezzvalley and Jeppestown.
Read: Man arrested for false hijacking claim
Police spokesperson, Captain Richard Munyayi, said in most cases the victims are being hijacked while sitting inside cars on the streets at night. Munyayi appeals to motorists to avoid being targeted by not sitting in their cars outside the yards while visiting their relatives.
He urged them to rather go inside the house or drive to a safer place where there are more people around.
“Motorists should also be observant when stopping at the traffic lights,” added Munyayi.
“If they suspect that they are being followed, they must not stop and get out of the car to open gates. Rather drive past your house and go to the nearest police station or call for help.”
He said there is also a new ‘trend’ where criminals are targeting cars parked on the streets, especially where there is an event, party or church gathering. “The criminals are aware that the cars are having alarms and they fiddle with it to activate it and when the owner comes out to check on their car, they strike and hijack them.
Read: Norwood police launch manhunt following two carjackings
“So, we are appealing with the motorists to be aware of this and we advise that if something like that happens they must not go out alone to check [on their car].”
Meanwhile, the police are also sending a stern warning to those who open false cases of being hijacked. Munyayi said most people open these cases in order to claim insurance because they have sold their cars to settle deals using the car as a bait. He said others have files false claims after they were involved in an accident while being somewhere they were not supposed to be, especially those driving company vehicles. “We will open a case of perjury and the perpetrators will be arrested and prosecuted,” he warned.
Details: Jeppe Police Station 011 624 6042.
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