After a woman was hijacked at a petrol station along Linksfield Road her vehicle was recently returned to her, five days later.
Edenvale SAPS spokesperson Sgt Jacob Mashile said there were at least four suspects involved in the crime which occurred on August 6.
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“Four men jumped out of a Hyundai which had blocked the woman and pointed a firearm at her and demanded her vehicle.”
In video footage of the crime, sent to the NEWS by the victim, it appeared that a fifth suspect remained in the Hyundai’s driver’s seat.
After taking the victim’s vehicle the suspects fled in the direction of the N3 highway in the Hyundai and victim’s car.
“On the same evening, the vehicle was located in Alexandra and put under police surveillance.
“A few days later SAPS officers retrieved the vehicle and took it to the SAPS pound in Soweto for further investigation.”
Mashile said no arrests were made in connection with the case.
“It is believed that the suspects are in their mid 30s.”
Helena Theron, the victim of the crime, said her car was returned to her on August 12.
At the time of the crime, she was at the petrol station to put fuel in her car.
“The men surrounded me and there was nothing I could do. I just listened to their instructions.
“They asked for money but I didn’t have any on me and they took my jewellery.”
Theron said once the suspects had the car key she backed away from the scene.
Mashile urged community members and motorists to be cautious while in public spaces.
Tips he provided to prevent hijackings included:
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• To listen to the instructions of the suspects if you are hijacked.
• To not fight back if you are hijacked.
• To install a tracking device in your vehicle if you can afford it.
• To report the crime to the nearest police station as soon as possible.
Mashile said SAPS has reviewed footage of the crime and is waiting for permission from the judicial system to release it.
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