Due to the recent spike in hijacking and smash and grab in the Ethekwini Inner South area, analysis has revealed that many of the victims are the local residents of Chatsworth and Bayview who are using the shortcut route in Lamontville.
The dangerous roads, known as Mhlongo and Pendlebury road have become the recent hot spot zones for travellers during early hours in the morning, as well as the afternoon. During the recent months, there have been approximately nine vehicle related incidents which have occurred in the area. Ethekwini Inner South Cluster Commander, Brigadier K Nunkumar said, “Despite additional patrol duties by SAPS members, the hijackings in the area remain unabated.”
Residents are urged to refrain from using Mhlongo and Pendlebury road, especially if they are alone, or during odd hours at night as the area is dangerous and the perpetrators prey on their victims and then disperse into the houses close to the crime scene.
Lamontville Station Commander, Lieutenant Colonel R Ramchunder said, “a specialist investigator has been appointed to investigate all cases and the breakthrough made by the arrest of a suspect who has successfully linked to several cases in the Montclair, Bayview and Lamontville area.”
Ethekwini Inner South Cluster Commander, Brigadier K Nunkumar urged residents to avoid using Mhlongo and Pendlebury road as residents have been recent targets in carjacking cases in the Lamontville area.
Safety tips while travelling:
- Install a tracking device in your vehicle.
- Never leave the vehicle log book in the car.
- Always keep your car locked at all times while travelling.
- Never open your window more than five centimetres.
- Secure all your valuables in the boot.
- Be alert of people loitering around your vehicle.
- Do not give hitch hikers a lift.
- If possible, avoid driving alone.
Guidelines for survival in a hijacking situation:
- Always remain calm. Your mind is your most important ally in this situation.
- Do not show any signs of aggression.
- Do as you are told, never argue with a hijacker.
- Do not threaten or challenge the hijacker.
- Keep your hands still where the hijacker can see them, to ensure him of your passive intent.
- Notice everything you can about your attacker. You will be the most important witness in bringing the perpetrator to justice.
- Remember you can replace your car, but not your life.
Enquiries:
Priya Nunkumar
Cell: 076 611 2744
Email: Nunkumarp@saps.gov.za
