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A Bergville resident was left in a state of shock after dealing with two determined criminals.
Police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele explains the incident took place at 6 am on 25 March 2021. Apparently, as he parked his bakkie, he was approached by the two men.
Using a firearm, the men demanded he hands over his car keys, which the man did. The perpetrators then proceeded to steal the victim’s television set, before fleeing in the bakkie.
Charges of carjacking and robbery were opened for investigation by Bergville SAPS—resulting in the villains’ freedom being short-lived.
Pouncing on the case, Colonel Mbhele says, the Ladysmith Vehicle Crime Investigation Unit, Bergville, Winterton SAPS and a private security company followed up on information regarding a hijacked vehicle on Tuesday, 30 March. She says, “The vehicle was spotted in Loskop Road, and the team proceeded to the scene.” The two suspects were found and placed under arrest.
Newcastle police spokesperson Lizzy Arumugam, stresses there are various safety precautions that motorists need to adhere to. These include:
- Always lock your vehicle’s doors and keep the windows closed.
- If a stranger wants to talk to you while you are in your vehicle, do not open the window wide – 5 cm is enough to have a discussion.
- If something seems suspicious, do not talk to strangers, rather be rude and drive away.
- If possible, vary the route you travel to work and back if this is possible.
- If approached by a stranger while in your car, drive off if possible or press your hooter to attract attention.
- If strangers loiter near or at your driveway, rather drive past. If they linger for a long time, report it to your nearest police station.
- Carjackers may stage a minor accident so they can approach your car. So, if your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual(s) involved in the situation, drive to the nearest police station for help.
- If you are hijacked, do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything behind if you are being forced from the car. Your life is more valuable than your possessions. Do not resist, especially if the thief has a weapon. Give up your vehicle with no questions asked and move away.
With this in mind, what are your thoughts on the incident mentioned above? Share your views in the comment section below.
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