KZN cab driver forced into car boot, taken on terrifying ride to Umlazi

A case of carjacking is being investigated at Malvern SAPS after a cab driver was forced into the boot of his car and taken to Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal before the suspects drove off with the car, reports Rising Sun Chatsworth.

Communications officer of Malvern SAPS, W/O Radhika Marimuthu said: “Last week in the Malvern area, the driver had picked up passengers at a mall in Malvern for transportation. As he proceeded to the Bellville Bridge area, his passengers ordered him to get into the boot. The suspects then drove towards Umlazi, where they dropped him off and fled with the vehicle.”

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The victim managed to get assistance and contacted the police.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Malvern SAPS detective branch on 031 489 9624 or 031 489 9629. Alternatively, Crime Stop can be contacted on 08 600 10111.

In light of the incident, W/O Marimuthu issued the following tips:

• If you are outside your car when you are approached by an unarmed carjacker who demands your car, throw your keys past him as far as you can. Scream for help or activate your personal safety device to get attention. Then run from the area as fast as possible.
• If your car is equipped with an ignition cut-off switch, activate it while getting out of your vehicle. Do so only if not being closely observed by the carjacker, as you will put yourself in danger. Also, if the car-locking remote is equipped with an alarm, activate it while leaving the area.
• If you are confronted by a carjacker who is armed, or if the criminal is agitated, excited or angry, give up your car keys and car and leave the scene.

Station commander of Malvern SAPS Lt Col Valarine Reddy said to try and remain calm at all times.

“The suspect is more nervous than you, and any resistance from you can be life-threatening. Resistance by you or any fight can result in the suspect becoming violent,” she said.

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