Hijackings, business robberies and business burglaries are on the rise in Brakpan and local police have urged community members to be vigilant.
According to Brakpan SAPS, the hijackings occur between 05:00 and 07:00, and from 17:00 to 19:00. Such crimes most commonly take place in Brakpan Central.
The perpetrators are two men, one of whom is described as tall and slender, and the other as short and slightly overweight.
They are usually on foot, but an old shape white Toyota Corolla has been seen during the commission of these crimes.
The hijackers’ modus operandi is to wait nearby as the targeted driver reverses their motor vehicle out of the driveway or returns home.
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They then approach the driver, threaten him or her at gunpoint and order the driver out of the vehicle.
The pair demand cash and firearms, before fleeing with the motor vehicle. Local police have warned that the duo are aggressive and dangerous.
Brakpan SAPS reported that Ford Ranger bakkies are the hijackers’ vehicle of choice, but the driver of an Audi A3 was hijacked this morning (Thursday) along Gardiner Avenue.
Other recent hijackings have taken place along Northdene and Wenden avenues.
The latest victim, a 38-year-old resident, fell victim to two hijackers fitting the description provided by Brakpan SAPS.
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Willem Pretorius reversed his car out the driveway of his home at about 06:00. He was on his way to his place of employment in Boksburg.
“I got out of my car to close the gate and when I turned around I was approached by a man,” said Pretorius.
“At first I thought it was a beggar but he pointed a firearm at me and ordered me to lie on the grass.”
He told the Herald the hijacker called an accomplice who appeared out of nowhere.
“This man got into my car while the one who was with me asked if I had a firearm on me,” said Pretorius.
The man searched Pretorius while he was still lying on the pavement after which he got into the Audi. The two hijackers then sped off.
“It was still rather dark and I did not see the men when I got out of my car to close the gate. It was like they came out of nowhere,” explained Pretorius, who was not injured.
“I could also not see if there was a vehicle waiting.”
With regards to business robberies, most of the incidents occur over weekends between 18:00 and 00:00 with the robbers demanding cash.
Business burglaries mostly take place during the week, specifically on a Tuesday, between 12:00 and 18:00, and again from 18:00 to 24:00. Electrical appliances are mostly stolen during these incidents.
