SAPS and CPF clash on attempted hijacking allegations

MULBARTON – A suspected hijacker later discovered to be a Mulbarton resident after an investigation by the SAPS, Glenvista patrollers and D&D tactical, has opened a can of worms.

What started as a suspected hijacking incident on Godalming Road in Mulbarton on March 29, after Glenvista CPF reacted to a distress call by a resident on Farnham Drive and called for back-up by D&D Tactical, has resulted in scathing allegations against Mondeor SAPS.

The CHRONICLE investigated and found that there are two very different sides to this story, the varying details in each version of events being what has caused a clash between the Mondeor SAPS and the Mulbarton resident accused of being involved in the suspected attempted hijacking.

Their version of events completely disputes what the Glenvista CPF have posted on their Facebook page, accusing the man and his family members of being hijackers also accusing the Mondeor SAPS for “bending over backwards to assist the suspects”.

According to Glenvista CPF, based on what was captured by security footage, a red Polo suspected to be the hijacking vehicle stopped and parked behind the Farnham Drive resident’s vehicle in a “hasty fashion and very close with the intention of blocking any movement”.

The resident said he saw the front passenger of the red Polo reach for something between his legs and start to get out the vehicle. The alleged suspects were taken aback when they realised that there were other residents in the driveway. When the Farnham Drive resident started to reverse his vehicle, the red Polo reversed and then made a U-turn only to drive past that house again some minutes later.

However, the Mulbarton resident suspected of being involved in the suspected attempted hijacking incident told the CHRONICLE that he feels unsafe and violated by what the Glenvista CPF have done to him and his family, as the Forum administrators not only accused him of a crime but also posted his home address on their Facebook page with the allegations.

A picture of the red Polo was removed on the Glenvista CPF Facebook page, which is said to have shown the vehicle’s registration number.

The Mulbarton resident explained that on Friday March 28 he invited two of his cousins from Pimville Soweto to accompany him to his house in Mulbarton as he had recently moved in December.

His cousin had been requested by him on March 29 to go to Devland using the red Polo to accompany a family member to the doctor, but the driver got lost on their way back to Mulbarton. They found themselves on Dalbini Street and sent the man a ‘please call me’ message.

“At the time that I became aware of their request for me to call, they were nearby and I directed them back to my house. I was busy cutting the lawn and they parked the car on my driveway in front of my garages. After about two minutes of their arrival a white Opel Corsa Utility drove up and parked on my lawn adjacent to my house, followed immediately by a blue VW Caddy panel van. Later a white BMW 1 series hatchback made a U-turn on my driveway and the Silver Mercedez Benz drove past. I started to be suspicious of all these cars.”

These vehicles are reported to have been Glenvista Community Policing Forum and D&D Tactical security officers. A police vehicle followed a few minutes later according to the resident.

Mondeor SAPS searched the VW red Polo 1.9 TDI suspected to be the hijackers’ vehicle with the compliance of the Mulbarton resident. According to SAPS and D&D officers nothing suspicious was found.

“We were informed me that my car was alleged to have been involved in the car hijack attempt at Farnham Street, one street away from Godalming Street where my house is. We were shocked by these allegations of hijacking,” added the resident.

Mondeor SAPS responded in a statement: “The allegations on the attempted carjacking were followed up, the case registered at Mondeor SAPS. Glenvista Forum was present when allegations were made and know what transpired. Nothing suspicious was found during the search of the resident’s vehicle. The resident (suspected to be involved in attempted hijacking) stays in Mulbarton and is also the legal owner of the property, pointed out to the SAPS by the patrollers.

“The resident against whom allegations are made had borrowed his vehicle to his cousin who do not reside in Mulbarton. The driver is not acquainted with this area, and as a result got lost. He was driving around looking for the address and had to make a U-Turn at Farnham, which caused the suspicion. The video footage will be given to the Prosecutor for discussion,” concluded the statement.