A surge in car hijackings has continued in the City of Coal and has left motorists on edge, as four separate incidents involving firearms and multiple suspects were reported last week.

According to reports on Monday, June 24, at approximately 18:30, the complainant was driving a silver Toyota Fortuner after shopping at a local shopping centre.

While stopped at a traffic light near the local garage adjacent to Witbank General Hospital, a white Navara bakkie performed a sudden U-turn.

Two armed suspects exited the vehicle and, joined by accomplices in a white Toyota Hilux, they allegedly forcefully subdued the driver with a cable tie.

They allegedly drove the victim to Beatty Street near the clinic before proceeding to the N4 and eventually off-ramping at Mathews Phosa.

Advice from Arrive Alive on protecting yourself against hijackings 

Advice on Protecting Yourself against Hijackings https://t.co/pKT3tQPajt #ArriveAlive #Hijackings pic.twitter.com/Xl7KDhvmwn

— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 8, 2023

Another incident on Tuesday, June 25, was reported by a complainant driving an orange Toyota Hilux who was ambushed on Beatty Street.

It is alleged that a white VW Polo blocked his path, while another vehicle cornered him from behind.

Four armed suspects allegedly forced the driver into the back seat, seizing his phone, wallet, and bank cards. After allegedly withdrawing an undisclosed amount of cash from the victim’s account, the perpetrators abandoned him in the bushes and escaped with the vehicle and stolen funds.

A third case occurred on Wednesday, June 26, when a complainant borrowed a grey Opel Corsa from church members to attend a funeral. It is believed that while at a construction site for the church, three suspects allegedly approached him under the guise of seeking work.

As the complainant engaged with them, one of the suspects allegedly brandished a firearm and demanded the victim’s valuables. The suspects allegedly made off with the vehicle, loaded with building materials, along with the complainant’s cellphone and router.

Most recently, on Saturday, June 29, at around 03:10, a complainant driving a Hyundai i20 was allegedly blocked at the intersection of Plumer and Beatty Street in the CBD by a white VW car.

Two armed suspects allegedly forcibly removed him from his vehicle and fled with his car, wallet, bank cards, driving license, ID, and cellphones.

Captain Eddie Hall from Witbank Police gave out these tips: “Avoid being alone in a vehicle when traveling at night. Do not stop around hijacking spots or in any secluded area. Always be alert when driving. If you suspect that you are being followed by a suspicious vehicle, drive to the nearest police station or call the SAPS Emergency Number 10111. Avoid distractions such as being on your phone, or drinking and driving. Increase caution at intersections; always keep a lookout for people loitering around your car or for any sudden activity around your car.”

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