Latest news with #PaulVisser
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Hijacking hotspots in Pretoria exposed: Avoid these areas
Hijackings in Pretoria are surging, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Sunnyside emerging as the city's most dangerous hotspots. Hijackers are zeroing in on Pretoria, with Mamelodi East, Akasia, and Olievenhoutbosch ranking among the country's most dangerous precincts for carjackings. According to the latest crime statistics released by SAPS for the period January to March 2025, these Tshwane-based stations recorded some of the highest hijacking figures nationwide—Mamelodi East with 65 cases, Akasia with 58, and Olievenhoutbosch with 51. These numbers place all three precincts in the national top 30 for aggravated robberies, highlighting a worrying trend for motorists in the capital. While Gauteng recorded a general decline in carjackings, Tshwane remains a key target area, with criminals favouring high-traffic routes, driveways, and intersections to strike. Here are the hot spots: Mamelodi East – 65 cases Akasia – 58 cases Olievenhoutbosch – 51 cases Sunnyside – High risk zone (frequently listed in trio crime stats) Pretoria West – Noteworthy activity linked to aggravated robberies Mamelodi West – Not in the top 30 but consistently flagged in past stats Temba – Previously listed among high-risk stations for violent crimes. Eersterust and Garsfontein – Not top-ranked but noted for related robbery and theft activity Residents are urged to remain vigilant, especially during the early morning and evening hours, when most of these incidents typically occur. Meanwhile, Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner Haval Jolion Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Haval H6 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. Also read: These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers
These nine vehicles are NOW targeted by hijackers Hijackers in South Africa are now zeroing in on a new list of high-demand vehicles—with the VW Polo, Toyota Hilux, and Ford Ranger topping the list. According to the latest crime statistics released by SAPS, Pretoria remains one of the country's most targeted regions, with hijacking hotspots identified in Mamelodi, Sunnyside, and Pretoria West. Criminals are becoming bolder and more organised, using follow-home tactics and high-traffic zones to strike. Here's everything you need to know about the most hijacked cars—and where you're most at risk in Tshwane. Paul Visser from the Pretoria ICE Community Network said here are the most targeted vehicles in the country now: VW Polo Toyota Hilux Ford Ranger Toyota Corolla Cross Toyota Fortuner Haval Jolion Chery Tiggo 4 Pro Haval H6 Chery Tiggo 7 Pro These models are often targeted due to their resale value, parts demand, and, increasingly, use in cross-border vehicle smuggling syndicates. While carjackings in South Africa declined by 15.1% year-on-year (from 5,338 in Q4 2024 to 4,533 in Q4 2025), Pretoria remains a high-risk area, particularly in the following precincts: Here are the hotspots in Pretoria: Pretoria West Mamelodi East & Mamelodi West Sunnyside Akasia Temba Hijackings in Pretoria often occur: Near major intersections and traffic light stops. In driveways during arrivals/departures. Around shopping centres and transport hubs. What is the modus operandi? Criminals typically operate in small armed groups, often using follow-home tactics. Electronic jamming and surveillance of daily routines are standard methods used to select victims. Also read: Here are the most dangerous suburbs in Pretoria Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to bennittb@ or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
