POLICE in Kranskop appealed to all motorists and members of the community to be on high alert for car hijackings after two people were hijacked in two separate incidents in Kranskop recently.
According to the police, unknown suspects held up a driver at gunpoint and demanded his car in KwaMaphumulo on Tuesday, November 26. Kranskop police spokesperson Sergeant Delisile Ndwandwe said the suspects fled the scene in the victim’s car.
In a second incident, another car was stolen in Kranskop during a car hijacking incident. Ndwandwe said neither vehicles have yet been recovered.
“We urge the community to be on high alert as we approach the festive season. We had a few cases of car hijackings in our area. We suspect that there is a syndicate of car hijackings.
“In both incidents a firearm was used to commit a crime,” Ndwandwe said
The police have identified the R74 and the Mambulu area as the main hot spots for car hijackings in Kranskop.
“As the members of the SAPS we also appeal to motorists to avoid driving in isolated places,” Ndwandwe added.
According to the National Hijacking Prevention Academy, drivers should adhere to the following safety tips:
WHEN APPROACHING AND ENTERING DRIVEWAYS:
• When you are two kilometres from your house, switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.
• Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse while waiting for the gate to close.
• Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
• Make sure your driveway is well-lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address. If you are concerned do not turn into your driveway — pass and go back later.
• Liaise with your neighbours.
• Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside.
• Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.
• Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
• If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
• If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
IF CONFRONTED BY HIJACKERS:
• Do exactly what you are told to do by the hijackers. Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle.
• Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
• Do not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this behaviour as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
• Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to give him assurance of your passive intent.
• Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements.
• Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat.
• First phone the police.