The SAPS’s W/O David Mphali says that, over the past three months, KwaThema has had about six hijackings and that no arrests have been made in connection any of these.
This is worrying, as all these criminals are still out there.
“Our latest two hijacking cases, both of which occurred on March 4, were similar, however, we are not sure if they can be connected at this stage.
“The first hijacking took place at about 8.10pm, on Mcakubane Street, in White City, where a man was with his wife and their two-year-old child.
“The couple and child were in the car on the pavement, at a nearby house, when they were confronted by two men, one of whom pointed a gun at the driver and then ordered the family to get out of the car.
“The second hijacker forcefully removed the woman and child from the white Figo (registration number CW 67 JH GP), then drove off in the vehicle, which has not yet been recovered,” says Mphali.
He adds that no arrests have been made.
In the second case, at about 10pm, in Rabolou Street, Rest in Peace, a driver and his friend were in a car that was parked on the pavement, when a similar incident occurred.
“While two friends were busy chatting inside the car, three armed men approached them and ordered them to get out of the car,” Mphali said.
“When the friends refused to get out, the hijackers threatened them by firing a shot into the ground.
“The hijackers fled the scene in the grey Micra (registration number CN 54 PP GP).”
The police urge residents to beef up their security and to be more careful as, they warn, some of the hijackings are also taking place at intersections or robots, especially at night.
Motorists should keep their doors locked and ensure that windows are closed.
”When driving at night, avoid stopping at robots and intersection, rather just observe other traffic and go,” emphasises Mphali.
He says drivers should also look out for any people or cars following them and, if they suspect they are being targeted, they should drive to the closest police station or call the police and give them the location.