Beware: spike in hijackings

COMMUNITY policing forums (CPFs) in Khayelitsha and neighbouring areas have cautioned motorists to be vigilant after noticing a spike in hijackings.

Site C, Site B, Mandalay, Delft and Mfuleni were identified as by far the most affected areas and some of the hijacked vehicles were recovered in those areas.

One motorist was recovering in hospital after being shot during a hijacking in Mfuleni over the weekend.

His vehicle was recovered in Site C with a broken window on Monday.

Thembokwezi, the concerned safety community group which includes many CPFs and related organisations, said it received reports of more than 10 incidents in two weeks.

Two motorists were injured after being shot during separate hijackings.

Khayelitsha CPF chairperson Ronnie Busakwe said some of the perpetrators would lie on the road and pretend to be injured and in need of assistance, and then attack their would-be rescuers.

“We advise people to rather call the police than stop to assist someone who looks like they’re in danger, especially at night,” he said.

‘‘At first the targeted vehicles were Polos, but now it seems they are going for any model.

‘‘We are concerned by the rate of these carjackings.

‘‘Motorists must also not resist and risk their lives for cars that are insured,” Busakwe said.

He said they suspected that a syndicate was behind the recent spate of hijackings, especially in Site C, Site B and Mfuleni. |