Don’t wander in Lukin, Van Deventer, Duncan, Jellico, French or Plumer Streets after dark
According to recent police crime statistics, approximately 65 vehicles are hijacked countrywide daily.
Lukin, Van Deventer, Duncan, Jellico, French, and Plumer Streets are not streets you want to wander in after dark.
According to the police, hijacking has spiked in these streets over the past few weeks.
“The possibility that prostitutes are working hand-in-hand with the criminals to rob potential clients can not be ruled out,” police spokesperson Captain Eddie Hall said.
Hijackers pounce on unsuspected victims sitting in their cars and in eMalahleni there has been a number of incidents reported.
On October 9, a couple was sitting in a car on French Street. While they were chatting and charging a phone, they were allegedly surprised by five armed men.
“The victims told the police that the suspects ordered them to the back of the car, got in, and started driving towards Vosman. They drove to bushes near KG Mall, where the suspects apparently kept enquiring about the man’s banking details,” Hall said.
The victims were dropped off and made their way on foot to the police station. The suspects took their car, a cellphone, and a laptop.
Hall said the next evening it was déjà vu as another couple fell prey to alleged armed robbers. He said the couple reported they were sitting in a car on Duncan Street at 19:40 when they were approached by three men. One was believed to be armed.
A family member who wishes to stay anonymous said the couple was also forced to the back of the vehicle as the alleged hijackers got in and drove to bushes on the N4.
“The victims were also asked about their banking apps,” Hall said.
The family member said the man is doing well, under the circumstances.
“The robbers managed to withdraw money from his bank account using his app. But at least he is safe.”
Stats SA did a Governance, Public Safety, and Justice Survey and found that 287 000 individuals were victims of hijacking during the past five years.
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, listed hijackings among the more concerning crimes in the country. According to police crime statistics, approximately 65 vehicles are hijacked daily.
“The plans for ‘Operation Festive Season’ are on the table. The police are working hard to combat crime, and we have had several operations, together with the different entities in our precinct, to deter criminal activity. We are committed to protecting our community,” Hall said.
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