It has come to be realized that carjacking’s are back on trend. In the past couple of weeks three incidences have been reported. It appears there are men with a particular modus operandi who have had residents drive and park their cars in fear. Residents are asked to be cautious always regardless of your area of residence, as the jacking happen at any time and anywhere.
On Thursday, July 19 a woman was hijacked in Blanche Ville, near the old Middelburg Road. This happened just after 06H00. The victim alleged that she was driving towards Middelburg and noticed two males hiking on the side of the road. She then decided to give them a lift as she thought they were on their way to work, which is what they had told her once they were in the car. They alleged that they work at a panel beater near the filling station along the R555 road.
Once they neared the filling station, the men then attacked the woman and forced her out of the car. They fled in her motor vehicle, a white VW Golf and left hr stranded on the side of the road.
In another incident, two males were hijacked on Saturday, July 21 in French Street at 18:45. The complainant also mentioned that he was outside a house waiting for his friend who had gone inside, when he was approached by two males whom appeared from the front and back, surrounding him. They produced firearms and assaulted him whilst searching him for valuables. The fled the scene in his Ford Focus, along with his cell phones and money that he had had in his possession.
The public is advised to be careful in their surroundings at all times as crime can take place anywhere and at any time. Also, it is not safe to give lifts to hikers on the road as not all their intentions are purely based on getting from Point A-to- Point B. Women are especially advised to be extra cautious, mostly when parking their cars at home. It is better to call someone in the house who can wait for you outside and help with opening and closure of the gate. Never leave your keys in the car ignition with the car running, that makes it an easy target.
To report any hijacking crimes or suspicious persons, do not hesitate to call your nearest police station: Witbank Police Station 013 655 5032/10111.
