Police pounce on ‘hijackers’

Three suspected hijackers were released on R1 000 bail each last week when they appeared in Strand Magistrate’s Court for an attempted carjacking incident that took place in Lwandle on New Year’s Day.

The men, aged 20 to 38, were netted by Lwandle police following a complaint of an attempted carjacking incident on the corner of Onverwacht Road and the N2 at 19:40 on Tuesday 1 January.

According to Lwandle police spokesperson Sergeant Mthokozisi Gama, the 43-year-old complainant was sitting in his vehicle on the corner of Onverwacht Road and the N2 when a white Toyota Verso stopped next to his vehicle.

“An unknown man got out of the car and approached his vehicle,” he related. “Once next to the driver’s window he allegedly pointed a gun at the complainant.

“The suspect then attempted to grab the complainant’s car keys, but the complainant grabbed his hand and managed to hold onto his keys. The complainant saw someone known to him and shouted for help, and the suspect made off to his car and drove away.”

The complainant immediately alerted Lwandle police, who launched a search for the suspect’s vehicle. Officers eventually spotted the vehicle parked near the BP service station on the N2.

Gama said the three men seated in the car were arrested. “The officers also found a toy gun in their possession, which was confiscated along with the Toyota Verso,” he added.

“The three suspects appeared in court on Friday 4 January and were remanded in custody. They again appeared for their bail applications on Friday 11 January, which was granted at R1 000 each.”

The case has been postponed to Friday 22 March.

Lwandle police have offered the following safety tips for motorists to avoid carjackings:

. If you are about to arrive or leave home, request a person open the gate or garage door for you.

. Drivers should consider not driving around at night, especially when they are under the influence of liquor.

. Always be vigilant about your surroundings and check for suspicious looking people and motor vehicles following you.

. Be extra careful when approaching traffic lights and stop streets.

. When experiencing a breakdown, call the police for assistance.

. Never give unknown people a lift at night.

. Install a tracking device in your motor vehicle to assist in tracing your motor vehicle should it be stolen.

. Always have police contact numbers on hand in case of emergency. Lwandle police can be contacted on 021 845 2060, 10111 or 08600 10111.