Three car theft incidents reported in two days

The Citizen

2 days ago

The car theft wave in eMalahleni has left motorists shaken and everyone wondering when it will ever be safe to drive around and park cars without fear.
This comes after three incidents were reported in a space of two days, with robbers and hijackers using different tactics and targeting different areas.
In the first incident that occurred on May 23, Tebogo Phetla said he was driving along Kiepersol Street in Tasbet Park around 08:00 when a grey bakkie bumped his car.
When he stopped to check, he was attacked by four men who allegedly pointed at him with a firearm and forced him into the back of his car. They drove off and dropped him at some bushes, where they allegedly tied him up and assaulted him.
The hijackers fled with his Hyundai i20 and all his belongings that were inside the car.
On May 24, another nightmare unfolded, in which Jan Louw said he had gone to watch his son's rugby match at one of the local schools. He said he parked his car at the parking lot, ensuring that all windows and doors were locked, but was met by an empty bay around 13:00 when he returned.
Luckily, his Toyota Fortuner was later recovered in Mamelodi by his tracking company, severely damaged as the robbers tried hard to have the tracking device removed.
In the late night of the same day, a woman reported to the police that she had parked her car opposite a local shisanyama, waiting for her brother, when two men suddenly attacked her.
They allegedly pointed at her with a firearm and robbed her of her gold Toyota Hilux, which had her personal belongings.
Spokesperson for the Witbank Police Station, Captain Eddie Hall, said, 'To prevent motor vehicle theft, focus on securing your vehicle, using technology, and being vigilant. Lock your car, use a steering wheel lock, and consider installing an anti-theft system like an alarm or GPS tracker. Avoid leaving valuables in sight and park in well-lit, safe areas.'
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