In light of the recent hijackings in Randfontein and Westonaria, the police have provided a number of hijacking and hostage situation safety tips that people can use in case of an emergency.
Police say injuries and death are often the result of actions taken by the victims, not the perpetrators.
Know what to expect as a victim:
The natural reaction to these situations is anxiety, shock, disbelief and confusion.
Police say victims should prepare to be alone, isolated from their families, friends and loved ones. In addition, police say to expect to lose track of time and location.
Know what to expect of perpetrators:
• Perpetrators can be tense, anxious and nervous and tend to overreact, police say
What to do:
• Do everything the perpetrators say to do
• Try to maintain your pride, dignity, and self-respect
• Keep your brain active by playing games in your head or by doing anything that will distract you
• Maintain your physical strength – eat the food provided by the captors
• Maintain a sense of humour but do not ridicule captors
• Remain orientated regarding movements, directions, time and place
• Allow yourself to be led by captors
• Remain cool and calm
What not to do:
• Become hysterical or panic-stricken
• Resist
• Lose your temper
• Threaten or provoke the captors
• Try to be a hero
• Argue
• Engage in any whispered conversations with the perpetrators
• Use foreign concepts of language
• Make demands
• Be sympathetic to the captors cause
• Try to escape as it places you at risk
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Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Truck driver tells of hijack horror
N12 attacks: Manhunt launched for dangerous criminals
Justice prevails – hijackers sentenced heavily
Truck driver hijacked, tied up
Man rescued from kidnappers, four arrested
Woman robbed, kidnapped, gang raped and beaten gets justice
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