NATIONAL NEWS - According to police reports, hardly a day goes by without a private or commercial delivery vehicle being robbed or taken away from the owner or company driver by force.
In many such incidents, scores of reported victims of hijackings have reported being subjected to extreme forms of brutal violence by hijackers, leaving some of them traumatised, others maimed and a few considering themselves lucky to have escaped with their lives.
Kathorus Mail interviewed several vehicle hijacking victims in and around Kathorus who spoke of their harrowing experience at the hands of violent gangs who prey on unsuspecting victims.
They disclosed a similar modus operandi used by armed vehicle hijackers who often operate in teams of two or more and waylay their victims on the streets and at the gate outside their homes, especially at night.
They pounce on their unsuspecting victims without warning, taking many of them by surprise.
These thieves seem to show the victims no mercy, leaving many of them badly injured, broke and traumatised. Not only are vehicle hijacking victims robbed of their vehicles, but many are also left penniless after being robbed of their cellphones and forced to disclose their banking details for their accounts to be ransacked.
Most vulnerable among hijacked victims are women who are not only robbed of their vehicles, money and personal belongings, but many of them are often raped or even killed. Male motorists, who are found to be carrying firearms, are also often the most brutalised by the criminals after their vehicle has been hijacked, and are also disarmed and robbed by the criminals.
In some instances, vehicle hijack victims who often consider themselves lucky after a hijacking ordeal and left extremely traumatised, are those who are forced into the boot of their vehicle and then driven to an unknown destination and left to find their way home.
Among the many warnings issued by the police include:
• Motorists should avoid driving at night
• Not to park on the side of the road, especially after dark
• Driving drunk
• Using a cellphone while driving, especially at night
• Leaving items such as a purse or handbag on their lap or the passenger seat.
• Driving in unfamiliar surroundings at night
• Worst of all, not being vigilant or being aware of their surroundings when driving
• Giving strangers a lift
• Sharing drinks with strangers they have picked up on the side of the road.
• Carrying too much cash and valuables on their person while travelling
The police have also issued warnings to motorists to take notice if they suspect they are being followed to keep their windows and doors locked at all times and drive to the nearest safe place such as the nearest petrol station or a police station.
Also, remember to dial the police emergency number 10111 if in danger.
One can also flick your car lights and hazard lights at oncoming traffic to indicate you are in trouble.
