The Benoni police have again urged motorists to be vigilant when approaching the Snake Road off- and on-ramps at the N12.
This follows more robberies in the area.
Benoni SAPS Vispol commander Col Khumbulani Ndaba said police are monitoring the situation at Snake Road.
“The challenge remains the overgrown bush that criminals use to hide. In most cases, the robbers disappear into the bushes after committing a crime,” said Ndaba.
“We have partnered with the local CPF to increase visibility and so far the partnership has been working.”
On May 21, a man driving a Hyundai Tucson was robbed of his valuables at the Snake Road off-ramp at around 17:00.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele said as the man stopped at the traffic light, a black Hyundai, which was driving behind him, drove into his vehicle.
“The driver of the Tuscon got out to see what was happening and the two men in the other car also got out,” said Sekele.
“One of the robbers pointed a firearm at the motorist while the other searched his car. He came back empty-handed and then they hit the victim over the head with the firearm and robbed him of his cellphone and watch.”
A case of armed robbery was opened.
In another incident, on May 22, a man who was about to turn onto the Snake Road off-ramp was robbed of his belongings at around 13.30pm.
Sekele said the man stopped his vehicle after hearing a sound he thought was a flat tyre.
“As he was about to change the tyre, two men approached him and demanded money. When he said he didn’t have any, one of the robbers opened the passenger door and got into his vehicle,” he said.
“When he tried to defend himself, one of the robbers grabbed a laptop bag, which contained only his bank card, and they ran off.”
A case of theft out of a motor vehicle was opened at the station.
Warning signs have been erected from the N12 and along Snake, Rangeview and Heidelberg roads.
Ndaba said they are doing their best to curb and even patrol in unmarked vehicles.
“Criminals are opportunists and they are technical. Some will pose as beggars but when they see an opportunity they will strike,” he said.
“In most cases, you will find that the people committing these crimes are not from Benoni, but surrounding areas. Community members should join their local CPF groups to get a better understanding of the crimes affecting them.”
The commander warns motorists to avoid giving anything to beggars and said male drivers should avoid urinating on the side of the road while their vehicles are idling.
“We also encourage anyone who witnessed a crime to report it. Most people who see a crime just drive past as if nothing happened,” said Ndaba.
He further said there are seven sectors in Benoni and they all struggle with different issues.
“Residents must understand that crime fluctuates due to different factors. To date, we have seen a decrease of certain crimes in some of the sectors.”
ALSO READ: Suspect arrested minutes after a woman is stabbed in Snake Road
Safety tips
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Be on the lookout for signs of smash-and-grab hot spots: evidence of broken glass on the side of the road could be a sign of smash and grabs having occurred there.
• Check blind spots when alone at an intersection: attacks from blind spots have become predominantly used in hijackings as motorists often only refer to their mirrors for visibility, but don’t check their blind spots.
• In the event of a smash and grab, remain calm and let the thieves take the valuables as they may be armed, and go to a safe area and call 10111.
• Report the crime immediately. It is important to report the crime to the police as quickly as possible as this may help in identifying the culprit/s should they return to the scene of the crime.
• Boot it or lose it: police advise all motorists to always put their valuables in the boot of the car.
• Motorists should hoot as many times as possible to attract attention when they sense they are being targeted or, if possible, drive away.
ALSO READ: Daveyton police warn against a spike in crimes
