The Benoni police will increase surveillance of the area following the unabated criminal incidents involving weapons on the corner of Golden Drive and Snake Road, in Morehill.
The most recent incident occurred at the Snake Road off-ramp on March 12 just before 8pm, during which a tow truck driver was stabbed.
Benoni SAPS spokesperson Capt Nomsa Sekele explained that the tow truck driver was assisting a client at the time.
ALSO READ:
Fake doctor arrested in Daveyton
“Two men armed with knives approached them and tried to stab the tow truck driver,” said Sekele.
“He got into a physical altercation with one of the men and was stabbed in the lower body.”
His attackers took his wallet and ran into nearby bushes.
According to a local WhatsApp crime group, a smash-and-grab also occurred on March 14, at around 7.40am, at the Snake Road/ New Modder intersection and another on March 16, between 7.30am and 7.45am, on the Snake Road on-ramp to the N12 west, during which it is reported the perpetrator “smashed the window and dived in and grabbed the victim’s phone”.
Police are urging the community to report all such incidents and to come forward with information which can lead to the arrests of the suspects.
As previously reported in the City Times, officers have been assigned to patrol along the R23 through to the N12 on an hourly basis and sector vehicles are also patrolling the area.
“Social crime officers are distributing pamphlets during roadblocks to motorists travelling in the area, especially at the main intersections, to warn them of the potential dangers,” said Sekele.
She declined to provide statistics on how many cases have been reported, citing this information as “confidential”.
There is no specific pattern to these crimes in terms of time of day, type of car or gender of victims, Sekele said.
“In most cases, victims have reported the suspects to be two or three men armed with a knife or firearm.”
Police are investigating the possibility the suspects are part of a crime syndicate or gang.
Police shared the following tips that could save motorists from becoming victims:
• Make sure that all the doors and windows are properly locked.
• Valuable items such as a laptop and camera should be put in the boot of your car.
• Be aware of people coming to you and informing you that you have a flat tyre because their intention could be to steal items that they see inside the car.
• Do not open your windows for hawkers along the road and at robots.
• Do not use a cellular phone unless you have a hands-free kit.
• Be on the lookout for signs of smash-and-grab hot spots. 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.
• Hoot. Motorists should hoot as many times as possible to attract attention when they sense they are being targeted or, if possible, drive away.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail.
