Hijackings are on the increase in Amanzimtoti and motorists are urged to be aware. The CCPO reported an attempted hijacking occurred at about 6.10pm in Louis Botha Drive on Tuesday, 18 June, shortly followed by a hijacking in Marian Road. Another vehicle was hijacked in Alexander Road, Winklespruit on Saturday, 15 June.
An Amanzimtoti motorist had a narrow escape when a gang of armed suspects attempted to hijack her in a driveway on Thursday night, 13 June. The incident was one of two attempted hijackings in the area that night reported just minutes apart and involving a silver VW Polo. Blue Security community and media liaison officer, Andreas Mathios said the motorist had just arrived at her daughter’s premises in St Winifreds to pick her up at about 6.19pm when the incident occurred.
According to the woman, the hijackers stopped in front, blocking her. The armed driver jumped out to confront her, but she scared him away by hooting and he ran back to the car. Then a passanger jumped out, grabbed the gun from him and confronted her. When she refused to open her door, he smashed her window and fired a shot at her as she made her escape.
“A neighbour who thought the hijackers had abducted the motorist then chased after the victim.” Mathios said the motorist continued driving and went to a local pub where she received assistance. It is believed there were three suspects in the Polo.
READ ALSO: Tips to outwit would-be hijackers
About six minutes prior to that, a suspect attempted to hold up a motorist as she arrived at a premises in Kingsburgh. “The motorist noticed a silver VW Polo parked behind her and spotted a suspect who was carrying a firearm jump out of the vehicle. The suspect approached her vehicle and knocked on her window. She screamed and the suspect turned and fled back to his vehicle and they drove away. No shots were fired.”
Motorists are warned not to pull into a driveway before the gates have opened completely to avoid being jammed in by hijackers. “Always stop parallel to the verge and wait for the gates to open before turning into the driveway. This will make it easier for you to be able to drive off quickly should you spot a suspicious vehicle or if a suspect approaches your vehicle,” said Mathios.
READ ALSO: What to do if you’ve just been hijacked?
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