You never know whether you will become the victim of a hostage or hijack incident, so here are some safety tips from Arrive Alive to help you, should you find yourself in such a situation.
DOs:
Do everything the perpetrators tell you to do.
Try at all times to maintain your pride, dignity and self-respect.
Keep your brain active by playing games in your mind (mind games), day-dreaming and reading whatever you are offered.
To maintain your physical strength you should eat the food provided by your captor(s).
Try to maintain a sense of humour, but do not ridicule the aggressors.
Try to remain orientated regarding your movements, directions, time and place.
Try to maintain a routine and remain fit, if circumstances permit.
Allow yourself to be led by your captor(s).
Try to remain cool and calm.
Fall flat and stay down if there is a relief incident.
Also Read: How to avoid being hijacked
DON’T
Do not at any time become panic-stricken or hysterical.
Do not offer any form of resistance.
Do not become abusive and aggressive or lose your temper.
Do not threaten or provoke the captor(s).
Do not try to be a hero.
Do not engage in an argument with the captor(s).
Do not engage in any whispered conversations with the perpetrators.
Do not use foreign concepts or languages, as this could arouse the captors’ suspicions.
Do not make any demands.
Do not be sympathetic towards your captors’ cause.
Do not try to escape, as this could place you at risk.
Information you should know:
According to Arrive Alive, if your vehicle is hijacked or stolen, you should report it promptly to the police. Make sure you have the vehicle details, including make, model, colour, vehicle identification and registration numbers available to assist with the recovery of the vehicle.
When forced to drive with a hijacker, be observant without making direct eye contact and try to memorise as many details as possible.
It is important to be able to describe the hijacker to the police as accurately as possible. When observing a hijacker, take note of his head and face, the shape of the eyes, mouth, nose and ears. Take note of possible irregularities. Look at the hair, skin colour, complexion and possible scars and tattoos. Observe the build, sex, body movement, clothing and any conversation that may take place.
Remember the direction from which they came and fled, as well as the time and place the incident happened.
Remember to make mental and physical notes immediately after the incident to ensure accurate and detailed information for the police investigation.
It can be helpful to have a survival plan in the back of your mind should a hijacking incident occur. It is difficult not to become paranoid about being taken hostage. However, it is just as easy to become complacent.
These safety hints are published by the South African Police Service, Division: Crime Prevention, in support of actions taken by hostage negotiators in the best interest of the community.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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