POLOKWANE – In recent weeks, Review received a number of messages regarding bricks/rocks being thrown at people’s cars.
Elize de Jager, a nurse, was travelling to Medi-Clinic on 22 October, when a young man attempted to throw a rock through her window at the corner of Magazyn and Jorissen Street. “He fortunately missed and hit my car’s roof and roof railing. My front windscreen has a crack in, there’s a dent in my roof and the railing is broken.”
Review’s sister publication, Polokwane Observer, reported on an incident which happened to Bianca Hamann on the same day (Polokwane Observer, 29 Oct-4 Nov). Her vehicle was stationary at the intersection of Grobler and Grim Street, when, she explained, the incident happened in the blink of an eye.
the incident.
“I saw a man standing to my left, where they usually sell items on the sidewalk. I took my eyes off him for a split second and the next moment, half a brick smashed through my window.”
Her first thought was that it might have been a gunshot, but without hesitation she sped off and drove to her parents’ home. “Although nothing was taken, the inside of my vehicle was left with shattered pieces of glass.”
Another resident, Yolanda Alderson had a similar incident on Sunday, 25 October. “I was driving down Thabo Mbeki Street and made a right turn into Gazelle Street. Generaal Piet Joubert School was on my left side and the next thing, I spotted something flying in my direction from the right. I hit the brakes and a rock hit my bonnet. My daughter told me that a man is on the right side of the road, so I stepped on the petrol and sped-off to get away,” she explained.
Alderson said besides the damage to her car, she and her daughter sustained no injuries. “The windscreen’s water nozzle broke off and there are scratch marks and dents left on my car. I am just thankful it didn’t hit the windscreen,” she concluded.
According to Police Spokesperson, Col Moatshe Ngoepe, smash-and-grab incidents are uncommon in terms of city crimes. “We would, however, still urge motorists to be vigilant when driving, especially at night. If you suspect or observe any suspicious activities, report it to the police immediately.”
Review spoke to Polokwane Community Policing Forum’s acting chairman, Trevor van Niekerk. “If stuff is thrown at the vehicle or on the surface of the road – the criminal intention most often is to bring your vehicle to a stop. If at all possible, continue driving to a safe spot to attend and report damage to your vehicle,” he explained.
Safety tips:
• Avoid poorly lit roads and highways
• If at all possible to avoid these situations – do so!
• Follow the media and news reports and if you hear of unrest in an area – avoid the roads in that area.
• It is always advisable to increase the time and space available for response – reduce speed and increase the following distance from other vehicles.
• When you note people close to the road – drive in the lane furthest away from them.
• Be aware of the stone-throwing hot-spots and avoid them, especially at night.
• Monitor social media and traffic and safety pages for updates before each trip.
• Put all valuables in the boot and out of sight.
• Consider installing a special window safety film.
• Stay vigilant, especially when passing under a bridge.
• Change lanes to move away from any suspicious movement.
“If you are able to escape an attempted attack, report it to authorities and your CPF. Together we can make a change,” he concluded
Numbers to contact:
