TEMBA – The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Temba has raised concern over a recent increase in vehicle hijackings reported in various parts of the area, with several motorists falling victim to armed suspects. In many of the incidents, vehicles were stolen and occupants robbed of their personal belongings.
Sergeant Herman Moremi of SAPS Temba Corporate Communications said police are monitoring the situation closely and have urged residents to take practical steps to reduce opportunities for criminals. He stressed that awareness alone is not enough to stop hijackings, but that communities can help curb the trend by making the area a hard target for criminals.
Police investigations indicate that hijackers often strike when motorists are most vulnerable, particularly when arriving at their residential gates or stopping in isolated areas. Victims are frequently caught off guard, especially when distracted by loud music or cellphones. In several cases, suspects allegedly stole victims’ phones to prevent them from calling for assistance and drove them to remote locations before abandoning them. Firearms and other dangerous weapons are commonly used during these crimes.
Authorities are advising motorists to remain alert at all times, particularly when approaching their homes. Drivers are encouraged to lower music volumes, put away their phones and carefully observe their surroundings for suspicious activity. If anything appears unusual, police recommend driving past the residence and contacting authorities instead of stopping. Motorists are also urged to avoid leaving vehicles idling, to maintain enough space between vehicles for a quick escape, and to refrain from stopping too close to their gates.
Police further warned residents against hitchhiking from unknown vehicles and cautioned drivers not to offer lifts to strangers, as criminals may use such opportunities to target victims. Extra vigilance is advised at traffic lights, especially at night, and motorists are reminded to keep windows closed and valuables out of sight to avoid attracting criminals.
SAPS also encouraged vehicle owners to install tracking devices, which can significantly improve the chances of recovering stolen vehicles. Community members are urged to report hijacking incidents immediately by contacting the Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or by using the MySAPS App, where information can be shared anonymously.
Police believe that increased vigilance, community cooperation and swift reporting of suspicious activity can play a vital role in reducing hijackings in Temba and surrounding areas.
