West Rand Cluster Police urge motorists and truck drivers to refrain from picking up hitchhikers to avoid being hijacked. This warning came after a new modus operandi by criminals had surfaced.
Captain Eddie Boboko, West Rand Cluster spokesperson said the N12 from Wedela all the way to the R28 crossing and up to Lenasia are specifically affected.
He said trucks and vehicles are hijacked in both directions on this route by people posing as hitchhikers. In other instances the hijackers follow the targeted vehicle in another vehicle.
“A common modus operandi used in truck hijackings is that the potential hijackers signal the truck driver that there is something wrong with the truck’s tyres, cargo or registration plate. When the driver stop to investigate, the hijackers pounce on the driver.”
Major General Fred Kekana, the West Rand Cluster commander, also stressed that in such instances, drivers should not stop. “Rather drive to the police station or a filling station where you will not be isolated,” he advised.
Kekana said police are extremely concerned about the lives of people and their property.
He said hitch-hikers are also affected, as they are prone to being kidnapped and raped, becoming victims of human trafficking or even murdered.
“We urge the people who frequently hitchhike to rather use taxis or public transport, which will ensure their safe arrival at their destination,” Kekana added.
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