Gauteng police in the West-Rand District have issued a warning to motorists of an increasing number of hijackings in the area by a group of blue-light hijackers. The suspects are preying on unsuspecting motorists and truck drivers while dressed as Traffic Police officers.
West-Rand District Police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya said, lately they have seen a rise in reported cases of trucks and cars hijacking.
In the statement Sibiya revealed the ‘modus-operandi’ of the assailants, who are known to operate in a group of two, three, four or even five males including a coloured female.
“They use a white Toyota Hilux double cab and / or a white VW Polo and dress in traffic police uniform.” Sibiya added.
It have also been noted that the hijackers use a blue light mounted on the dashboard of their vehicle.
Read also: ‘Blue light’ hijackers kill truck driver for R2m copper load
Sibiya said they have identified areas and spots where hijackings were committed by individuals impersonating law enforcement officers and they, include:
• Bekkersdal
-R28 road
-N12
• Carletonville
– Blybank road and Randfontein road
• Fochville.
– Corner N12 and R500.
• Randfontein
– R559
– R28 and N14
Some of the safety tips to minimize hijackings:
• Do not stop for hitch hikers
Even if it’s a female hiker with a crying baby and showing desperation or vulnerability.
• Do not stop to anyone if you suspect that the person might be a bogus officer, instead drive to the nearest Police station, shopping complex or any other busy area, do not try to drive to your residential area,
• Do not stop at a deserted spot or area to talk to your phone or even relieve yourself.
• Always keep your windows closed.
• If someone tries to force you out of the road, don’t panic but just blow your horn constantly to draw attention.
The West-Rand Police would like to urge motorists and truck drivers to be more cautious and not be fooled by people dressed in police or traffic uniform.
To provide any information that can lead to the successful arrest of perpetrators behind hijackings in and around the district, the members of the public are urged to call:
Crime Stop Line 0860010111 or the nearest Police station.
Alternatively you can also provide confidential information via MySAPS app which can be downloaded from your device or use Crime line SMS 32211.
You are assured that your information will be treated with strictest confidentiality.
