Police caution North West motorists on ‘new hijacking strategies’

Police have urged motorists travelling in the North West, especially in the Bojanala Platinum District are urged to exercise caution when stopping next to the road or when ordered to stop by other motorists as they could be potential hijackers.

This is after a few incidents in which vehicles were recently hijacked by unknown suspects were reported. 

POLICE WARN AGAINST POTENTIAL HIJACKERS 

Police spokesperson, Captain Aafje Botma said on Thursday, 22 July 2021, at about 15:30 near Kanana, a 39-year-old man was driving from Klerksdorp where he bought stock for his tuck shop.

“After he entered Kanana through the bridge, two men got out of a black Volkswagen Polo which, was parked next to the road and allegedly pointed him with firearms. Upon stopping, one of the men opened the door, but the driver managed to escape by running away and the suspects drove off with his Nissan van with stock,” she said.

Botma said in an unrelated incident on Thursday, 22 July 2021, a 55-year-old victim was driving in Boitekong in a white Mazda Drifter. He alleged that two unknown males approached him at the Engen Garage and asked him to help them to load fire wood in the bushes in Bospoort on condition that they will pay him. 

She added that they all drove together in the victim’s vehicle. However, the driver was ultimately attacked and robbed of his pistol with eight rounds, two cell phones and money.

“They tied the victim to a tree, took his white Mazda Drifter and fled the scene. The victim was assisted by security officers and took him to the police station,” she explained.

Again, in another unrelated incident, on Friday, 23 July 2021, a 38-year-old lady was driving from Oukasie Location to Brits to pick up her husband. She allegedly stopped the vehicle, but was approached by three men who pointed her with firearms. One of the men pulled her out of the vehicle and they drove off with it.

Motorists are requested to exercise caution when stopped by unknown persons and to report such incidents to the nearest police station. If stopped by Police or Traffic officials and you feel unsafe / threatened, put on your hazard lights and slowly drive to the nearest police station.

Never ever offer a lift to a hitch-hiker and do not stop next to the road except for an emergency. People stopping to relieve themselves have also fallen victim of this crime.

As part of curbing such incidents, motorists are requested to take heed and apply safety hints. You can read more about the hints here.

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