Cape Town motorists warned as hijackings and smash-and-grabs spike across key areas. Image: Mujahid Safodien/African News Agency (ANA) Archives.
(The Post News)– Drivers are urged to steer clear of high-risk areas as hijackings and smash-and-grab incidents spike across the Cape.
In a recent incident early Sunday morning, hijackers targeted a blue Renault Kwid in New Woodlands, Mitchell’s Plain. The stripped vehicle was later recovered in Browns Farm, Philippi.
According to police spokesperson Wesley Twigg, later, the car was discovered at Browns Farm, stripped—arrests have not yet been made, and the incident’s circumstances are being investigated.
In the early hours of July 31, Elsie’s River police began investigating after thieves struck a silver Volkswagen Polo as the owner was securing his gates.
Twigg explained that a white Opel Astra pulled up in front of the complainant’s car at approximately 5:25 on Thursday morning as he was busy locking the gates to his Riverton Crescent property. One of the occupants reportedly got out, cursed at the complainant, and drove off in his silver Volkswagen Polo.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, police found a stolen vehicle in the Level 2 informal settlement of Makhaza. Police spokesperson FC van Wyk stated that upon arriving at the specified location, officers discovered a white VW Polo reported stolen.
“They began conducting surveillance on the vehicle. And after approximately ten minutes, three males approached the vehicle, opened the doors and boot, and started removing loose property from the vehicle. The members quickly pounced on the suspects and detained them,” van Wyk added.
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a replica firearm hidden beneath the driver’s seat. Following the hijacking in which the owner was shot in the leg, authorities filed charges of hijacking and attempted murder, detaining three suspects aged 30 to 34 for possession of the stolen vehicle and a fake firearm.
According to Fight Against Crime, many offenses are committed by habitual criminals who operate repeatedly in the same locations. Considering these incidents, experts advise motorists to take precautions to reduce their risk.
Drivers are advised to keep their windows slightly cracked, as these are more difficult to break than completely closed ones. Protect your vehicle by applying anti-smash-and-grab film and using tracking systems, keeping valuables hidden, ensuring doors are locked, staying aware while driving, and staying updated through local crime reports and social media.
journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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