PASOP VIR HIJACKERS
Subhead: Cops and crime fighters warn of spike in car robberies
MOTORISTS have been warned to avoid known danger zones as more and more people are falling victim to hijackings and smash and grabs across the Cape.
A blue Renault Kwid was hijacked in New Woodlands, Mitchells Plain during the early hours of Sunday morning and later found stripped in Browns Farm, Philippi.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said that the matter is under investigation.
Twigg says: “Lentegeur police are investigating a hijacking case following an incident in which three unknown suspects took the complainant’s Renault Kwid.
"The vehicle was later found stripped in Browns Farm. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation and arrests are yet to be made."
On Thursday, 31 July, Elsies River police opened a case of theft when criminals targeted a silver Volkswagen Polo after 5am while the owner was busy closing the gates at his home.
Twigg said: “According to reports the complainant was busy closing the gates at his premises in Riverton Crescent on Thursday morning, 31 July 2025 at about 05:25, when a white Opel Astra stopped in front of his vehicle and one of the occupants got out, swore at the complainant and fled the scene in the complainant’s silver Volkswagen Polo.”
Last Tuesday, police recovered a hijacked vehicle in Level 2 informal settlement, Makhaza.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said on arrival at the identified address, the members spotted the white VW Polo that had been reported as hijacked.
“They began conducting surveillance on the vehicle. And after approximately ten minutes, three males approached the vehicle, opened the doors and boot and started removing loose property from the vehicle. The members quickly pounced on the suspects and detained them.
"During a search of the vehicle, the members also found an imitation firearm under the driver’s seat.
"A case docket for hijacking and attempted murder was registered, as the vehicle’s owner was shot in the leg during the hijacking. Three suspects aged between 30 and 34 were detained for possession of hijacked motor vehicle and an imitation firearm.”
Fight Against Crime said that many of these crimes are committed by repeat offenders operating in the same areas.
A statement read: “Crime is ultimately a symptom of deep-rooted socioeconomic issues such as poverty, unemployment and lack of opportunity.
"Long-term solutions require sustained social development efforts by both government and civil society.
"Road crime is not random. It is predictable, repeated, and must be disrupted.”
Motorists are urged to drive with windows slightly open as these are harder to shatter than fully sealed windows.
Install anti-smash-and-grab film and vehicle tracking systems, hide valuables, lock all doors, stay alert in traffic and monitor local crime chats or social media.