There has been an alarming high spree of hijackings and this raises a concern.

The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) in Mpumalanga shared a few tips and is reiterating what is always said about hijacking prevention.

Drivers are cautioned to take heed of the following:

• Before leaving your house or undertaking a journey, ensure that your vehicle is in adequate condition to avoid being stuck on the road.
• Prepare for your journey; know the direction and destination of where you are going.
• Ensure that before driving off, all windows and doors are properly locked.
• Have the contact numbers of the police stations, emergency services, family members, neighbours, colleagues or any other numbers which you can call in the stage of predicaments.
• Do not pick up hitchhikers or strangers on the road.
• While driving, check your rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
• When you see a suspicious vehicle following you, alert the police with information about the vehicle, model, colour, registration numbers, and number of occupants, if possible and proper direction or you can drive to the nearest police station.
• Ensure that while approaching traffic lights or stop signs; allow adequate space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Do not entertain the stranger who would hoot or try to stop you while driving, especially at night. You rather let them follow you while driving straight to the police station.
• Do not park on the side road to refresh or relieve yourself; you better stop at the service station.
• When approaching your vehicle in the parking area and seeing a suspicious vehicle/persons next to your vehicle, do not approach; you must rather report the matter to the police or security officers for help.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as most hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.

In the case of a hijacking in progress

• Do not antagonise or aggravate the hijacker(s).
• Do not resist.
• Avoid making eye contact – the hijacker may perceive this as a threat.
• Leave the engine running and exit the vehicle.
• Try to put as much space between you and the hijacker(s).
• Remain calm and take note of as many details of the hijacker(s) as possible.

“Let us fight this crime together by sharing this information with people around us. Together we can do more, said Captain Dineo Lucy Sekgotodi, spokesperson for the Hawks in Mpumalanga.

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