Car dealers, private sellers are warned of new hijacking tactics
In August a Mercedes-Benz vehicle was hijacked in Randfontein while the 'prospective buyers' pretended to test-drive it. The dealership's representative who accompanied them was shot in the leg and left at the side of the road.
Police have warned about new tactics being used to hijack vehicles. This puts second-hand car dealerships and private sellers in particular at risk.
According to Captain Raymond Sebonyane, Krugersdorp Police and rotational spokesperson for the West Rand District, the warning comes amid reports of second-hand car dealerships and private sellers being approached by prospective clients, who take the vehicle for a test drive and are then hijacked.
“In several incidents that took place in the Krugersdorp policing precinct, people pretended to be buyers and requested to test-drive the vehicles. They were then accompanied by the salesperson of the dealership,” Sebonyane explained.
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Johan Krogh, General Manager at EPR said in August a Mercedes-Benz vehicle was hijacked in Randfontein while the ‘prospective buyers’ pretended to test-drive it.
The dealership’s representative who accompanied them was shot in the leg and left at the side of the road.”
During a test drive, the ‘prospective buyers’ suddenly stopped at a deserted road, pointed a firearm at the salesperson, took his cellphone, instructed him to get out of the car, and drove off. In these cases the dealership have no information available on the ‘prospective buyers’.
Sebonyane advised that if people are selling or buying something and become suspicious of the buyer or seller for any reason, do not allow them into their vehicle.
“Do not be afraid to say; ‘I am sorry I wasted your time. Something has come up and I need to leave right now. Again, I am sorry, bye’, and leave. Your safety is more important than being polite, money and the four-wheeler you are selling,” he said.
The Krugersdorp Police station commander, Brigadier Ngwako Mashao requested dealerships to ensure that the prospective client has signed an indemnity form and submitted a copy of their IDs, motor vehicle licence, a picture or photo, and thumb print, before allowing a test drive.
