Beware bogus police hijackers, police warn
This follows a recent hijacking that took place in in the north of Pretoria by four “armed and dangerous” bogus police.
Rietgat police are warning motorists about notable increases in hijackings in the area recently involving armed bogus police.
Captain Stephen Maluleka said the hijackings took place in the area at various locations and times of the day, “therefore motorists should always be cautious”.
“At around 04:30 on Wednesday, a man who was driving a Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences branded minibus was hijacked by four armed bogus police on Soutpan Road near Club 7 in Block T.”
Maluleka said the man was stopped by a brown Toyota Corolla sedan after it flashed its blue lights.
“The suspects then ordered him to come with them to the police station because the Quantum he was driving was suspicious-looking.
“He was forced into the sedan and was driven to Kromkuil in Winterveldt where he was dumped and the suspects fled the scene in both the minibus and the brown Toyota Corolla,” he said.
This also follows Rietgat police urging all removal truck businesses to inform the Rietgat station about their presence in the area, due to truck hijackings.
In a statement last week, police said there was a spike of truck hijackings in the Rietgat policing precinct in Soshanguve.
“The Rietgat SAPS would like to call on the furniture removal industry to call the police station before entering the policing precinct.”
Police said the trucking business were falling victim to a modus operandi whereby criminals called the removal companies pretending to be relocating.
“They deposit a removal fee upfront only to hijack them once they reach their fake addresses.”
It said the removal companies could contact the station at 012 432 7806/7 or 082 335 1950 or 071 675 6250.
Maluleka warned motorists not to stop for a brown Toyota sedan with a police blue light on Soutpan Road and elsewhere in the policing precinct.
“The station would like to put it on record that it does not have a brown Toyota sedan in all its components which includes visible policing, detectives and support services.”
“If such a vehicle tries to stop you, drive to a safer place and call the police on 10111 or 08600 10111, 071 675 6250 or the station commander directly on 082 455 8236.”
He urged anyone who noted the vehicle to call the police but warned them to not try to “play hero” because the suspects were armed and dangerous.
“Although the station is making strides in ensuring that all motorists and their vehicles are safe within the precinct, it is also necessary for motorists to be vigilant.”
Motorists are warned to take heed of the following safety tips:
– When stopping or slowing down at a traffic light, speed humps or stop signs ensure that all your doors and windows are locked.
– Avoid parking and staying in your car in front of a friend’s place. Rather lock your car and go inside.
– Avoid parking in isolated places at night like soccer fields, bushes and dumping sites, especially with partners.
– If you suspect you are being followed, call the police or drive to the nearest police station.
– Do not stop around hijacking hotspots or any secluded areas, especially when trying to relieve yourself.
– Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when you are driving alone.
– Avoid distractions such as talking on your phone, drinking and driving.
– Increase caution at intersections – always keep a look out for people loitering around your car or for any sudden activity around your car.
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