Hijackings have been known as a popular crime to commit in eMalahleni and have increased over the years.
It is alleged that while driving in Tasbet on his way to the N12 highway on February 4, three males opened the doors of the vehicle that was not locked.
The suspects entered the vehicle while pointing the driver with a firearm.
The suspects demanded the driver to co-operate and keep driving.
The driver was shortly after removed from the driver’s seat and moved to the back, where he was pressed down by the other two suspects face down, not able to see where they are going.
The vehicle stopped and the victim was blindfolded and moved to another vehicle.
After hours passing by the driver was pushed out from the vehicle, where he was helped by someone to the nearest police station.
On Friday, February 14, it is alleged that another victim was on his way to Boksburg but made a stop in Tasbet Park at the Watermeyer on-ramp.
He was approached by four males who asked for a lift.
After telling them he is not going to their destination they requested, one of the four males took out a firearm and instructed the victim to get into the car.
The suspects covered his face and later dropped him off tied up in the bushes near FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
The suspects left with his bank card and pin after forcing him with the firearm.
On the same day, it is alleged that on the N4 OR Tambo a victim was blocked in by two vehicles, he was then hijacked by an armed suspect who dropped him off in a field on the old Ogies road R555.
On Saturday, February 15 a victim alleged that he was shot in the stomach and his car was taken on the Verena Road by five armed suspects.
The victim was taken to hospital due to the shot wound in the stomach.
Witbank Police advised to always lock your car doors, avoid to stop at remote places, do not open windows more than 5cm, limit your trips at night, if feeling suspicious after a small accident rather drive to the nearest police station, do not give strangers a lift, do not open your garage doors before your gates are closed.
These are some of the safety measures to prevent hijackings.
