Yet another hijacking incident has claimed the life the victim, while another has forever impacted the life of
another.
Rhythm City actor Dumi Masilela was killed in a botched hijacking last month, while singer Vusi Nova was lucky
enough to escape his hijacking ordeal with
his life.
In South Africa, one hijacking occurs roughly every 32 minutes. Over 12
000 vehicles were hijacked in SA between April and December 2016 – 14,9% more in nine
months than in the previous financial year
“We read and share shocking stats like these all too frequently,” says
Bianca de Beer, spokesperson for insurance provider Dialdirect.
“There is a wealth of information available online around hijacking
hotspots and the latest hijacking tactics. The more you know, the better
prepared you will be.”
Here are
their tips:
- Use a GPS to avoid getting
lost and becoming an easy target. Inform someone at your destination about
your estimated time of arrival.
Always be aware of your
surroundings and look out for anything suspicious.Limit distractions, such as
checking or talking on your cell phone when walking to or from your car.Avoid driving with windows
open, keep the doors locked and lock valuables out of sight. Install
smash-and-grab window protection if possible.If you suspect you are being
followed, make a couple of false turns. If someone is still following you,
drive to the nearest police station.Leave enough room between
you and the car in front of you to avoid being boxed in.Slow down in such a way that
the light is green by the time you reach a traffic light, especially late
at night – this prevents you coming to a complete stop and reduces your
risk of becoming a target.Always park in a safe,
well-lit area.If you sense you are in
danger, use the panic button on your tracking device or contact your armed
response company.Check the back seat before
getting into the car, even if you left it locked.A well-maintained car is
less likely to break down - keep your car in good condition. If you do
break down then pull over, turn the hazard lights on and call for
emergency assistance.Avoid distractions while
driving. Checking Facebook and Twitter in the car is a no-no!What to
do if confronted by a hijacker:
Do not argueDo not make sudden gesturesAvoid eye contact but try to
remember what the carjacker looked like by identifying and remembering
special features.Comply with the hijacker’s
directions – within reasonTry and get away from the
area as quickly as possibleDon’t be a hero – your life
is worth more than your car
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