Local boy’s bravery commended during hijacking ordeal
On Wednesday, 16 January the boy was opening the gate for his parents when three armed suspects pounced on him.
A 10-YEAR-OLD Springfield boy has been praised for his bravery, after remaining calm while held at gunpoint by hijackers. On Wednesday, 16 January the boy was opening the gate for his parents just before 8pm when three armed suspects pounced on him.
According to Blue Security, the suspects, who were driving a white Nissan had followed the boy’s father to their home in Springfield at around 7.40pm.
“The boy got out of the vehicle to open the driveway gates. While he was busy opening the gates, three suspects got out of the white Nissan and grabbed him. One of the suspects held a firearm to the child’s head. The boy remained absolutely calm while they had the gun to his head. His father and mother got out of the vehicle, and his mother started screaming, which appeared to aggravate the hijackers,” Mathios said.
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The suspects then forced the child’s father back into the vehicle and made off with the vehicle. The SAPS Flying Squad, Alpha Alarms, Blue Security and the local neighbourhood watch group launched a search for the victim, who was later found at Philani Valley Mall in Umlazi, where the suspects had dropped him off unharmed.
Mathios said the getaway vehicle, the white Nissan, was recovered. The tracking device from the hijacked vehicle was also located, but the vehicle was nowhere to be found.
Mathios added that the boy’s bravery during the hijacking ordeal was to be commended.
“He was extremely brave and did not show any outward signs of panic, but he managed to remain calm throughout the ordeal. His brave response helped to minimise the chance of violent injury to his family during the incident,” Mathios said.
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Mathios further advised residents to be vigilant when arriving home, especially at night.
“Drive past your property at night and make a u-turn back towards your property to make sure no one is following you. If you suspect you are being followed, drive past your property to your nearest police station and contact your security company for assistance. Make sure your gate area is clear of overgrown shrubs and well-lit up at night so that suspects will not be able to loiter and hide in the shadows undetected,” he said.
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