POTCHEFSTROOM – Police management in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District would like to urge motorists to be cautious of car hijacking/s committed by unknown suspects who pretend to be either police or traffic officers. The warning stems from a case that was recently reported in the policing precinct of Potchefstroom.          

According to information, a 24-year-old motorist was driving an Isuzu KB Single Cab bakkie on the R501 road between Potchefstroom and Carletonville at about 07:45 on Thursday, 06 October 2022, when stopped by two men wearing Traffic Officer’s uniform near a fuel station in the vicinity of Boskop. The men, who were driving a white Volkswagen Polo with blue lights, requested him (the motorist) to produce his driver’s license and to step out of the vehicle for a routine inspection. He was suddenly pointed with a firearm and pushed into the back of the vehicle while a white Volkswagen Polo joined the first group and the victim was blindfolded and driven to Vleikop in Randfontein, where he was released unharmed.

Motorists are therefore urged to be vigilant at all times, especially when stopped by Traffic or Police Officers who look suspicious.

Be aware of your surroundings and approach intersections slowly.

Ensure that you inform someone of your route and estimated time of departure and arrival. You can use the live location option on your smart phone as a monitoring tool.

If you suspect that you are being followed, adjust your route and start making your way to the nearest police station. It is always best to practice safety first. If possible try to alert other motorists by flickering your head lights and pressing your hooter to get their attention.

While motorists are encouraged to respect the rule of law, they are urged to exercise caution and to put on their hazard lights when stopped by any suspicious police/traffic officers and to drive to the nearest police station or a public place like a fuel station or business complex.

In case of a hijacking in progress and you are confronted directly by the suspects, remain calm, do not resist and do as you are told. Do not make eye contact, leave the engine running and exit the vehicle. Try to create as much space between yourself and the hijacker/s. Show them you are not a threat by holding up your hands.

Source: South African Police Service