West Rand police’s communication officer, Captain Solomon Sibiya, says the police are concerned about the increasing number of truck and car hijackings reported lately.
“Perpetrators of this crime operate in groups of two to five men and a coloured woman. They use a white Toyota Hilux double cab or a white VW Polo and wear traffic uniform. They also use a blue light mounted on the dashboard,” says Sibiya.
“We urge motorists or truck drivers to be more cautious and not be fooled by people wearing police or traffic uniforms,” he added.
Sibiya says the police have identified several areas and spots where hijackings by people impersonating law officers tend to occur.
In our area, the hijackers often strike around the Blybank and Randfontein roads and the corners of the N12 and the R500.
In the Randfontein area, motorists should be cautious on the R559, the R28 and the N14, and Bekkersdal on the R28 and the N12.
The police say drivers can do certain things to avoid hijacking.
Do not stop for hitchhikers, even a woman with a crying baby, who shows desperation or vulnerability.
Do not stop for anyone if you suspect that the person might be a bogus officer.
Drive to the nearest police station, shopping complex or another busy area.
Do not try and drive to your residential area.
Do not stop at an isolated spot or area to talk on your phone or relieve yourself. Always keep your windows closed. If someone tries to force you off the road, don’t panic. Keep your finger on the hooter to draw attention. The police urge members of the public to call the Crime Stop line or the nearest police station to provide any information that could lead to the successful arrest of hijackers in and around the district. The Crime Stop number is 0860010111. Whistleblowers can also provide confidential information via the MySAPS app, which can be downloaded from your device.
They can also use the crime line SMS, 32211. “You are assured that your information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality,” says Sibiya.
