Hijacking statistics are increasing like fuel prices, except on a daily basis.
According to an article in Wheels 24 that was published on May 17, every 32 minutes a vehicle is hijacked in South Africa.
For residents of eMalahleni, this statement is not absurd as more people become a victim and a number in the crime statistics every day.
On May 24, the driver and owner of a public transport vehicle, along with three passengers were the unlucky victims of a violent hijack. It was alleged that the driver of a white Toyota Quatum taxi picked up three passengers at Tasbet Park and headed to their announced destination. Driving along the road, the driver saw another three people that indicated they wanted a lift and pulled over to assist them with transport; little did he know what was waiting on him.
“I never have the impression that the passengers I pick up will do me or anyone any harm. You do not look at people next to the road and think they will rob you,” the driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, said.
It was believed that one of the three suspects suddenly hit the driver over the head with a firearm while the other two held the passengers at gunpoint.
“I stopped my taxi near a gas station in Watermeyer Street after the assault and gave the innocent passengers the gap to flee. The hijackers kept on insisting I turn back in the direction we came from and made me drive them towards Tasbet Park again,” he added.
The suspects demanded that the driver pull over and show them where the tracking systems were. After they took the system out they left the driver stranded along the road.
“The increase in both truck and vehicle hijacking is a humongous problem everywhere in our country and is turning into one of the biggest priorities for our law enforcement officials,” Sgt David Ratau, spokesperson for Witbank Police, concluded.
ALSO READ:
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/83272/second-hijacking-victim-assaulted/
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/88821/false-truck-hijacking-case-opened-witbank-police-station/
