Hijacking new trick: Klerksdorp dealerships hit by new wave of car theft

Law enforcement authorities in Klerksdorp and other parts of the North West have been inundated with hijacking and other reports of robbery linked to online car sales.

Hijacking trick hurts business in Klerksdorp

The most alarming reports, according to police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh, have come from car dealerships situated along the N12 road, in Klerksdorp.

Col. Myburgh revealed in a statement that numerous cases of hijacking have recently been filed about cars that were stolen from dealerships.

“In one of the incidents, suspects pretended to be buyer’s and requested a test drive in a bakkie. They were accompanied by the salesperson of the dealership. During the test drive, the suspects suddenly stopped at a deserted road, pointed the victim with a firearm, instructed him to get out of the bakkie and drove off. The dealership had no information available on the alleged clients,” Myburgh said.

Klerksdorp law enforcement has not been able to locate the suspects involved in the hijacking because due process was not followed.

“Dealerships are requested to ensure they have a signed indemnity form completed by the prospective client, that includes a copy of their identification document/motor vehicle licence/ thumbprint, before granting a test drive,” Myburgh added.

Police issue tips on how to safely purchase cars, livestock online

The police have also warned online car shoppers to practice extreme vigilance when purchasing on platforms like Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

Currently, North West areas like Makwassie, Leeudoringstad, Boskuil, Wolmaransstad and Jouberton.are hotspots for crimes linked to online advertising.

“In an incident that occurred on Tuesday, 14 January 2020 at Jouberton, a potential client saw an advertisement for an Avanza vehicle on Facebook. He phoned the seller and arranged to meet him. During the first meeting, it was agreed that the buyer will pay cash and first test-drive the vehicle.

“He returned later the same day, accompanied by three friends. When meeting the seller in Jouberton, the seller and his friends were surrounded by a group of about 14 people, armed with firearms and pangas. They were robbed of a substantial amount of cash and their personal items such as cellphones were stolen, before being allowed to leave the scene,” the statement read.

The suspects, in this case, have been identified and police are doing whatever they can to track them down.

However, Myburgh stressed, it is important for people to be cognizant of these tips when deciding to shop on unregulated online platforms:

• Don’t meet strangers at your home or in strictly residential areas. Instead, meet in a nearby shopping area, a grocery store, fast-food restaurant, parking lot or at the Police Station.
• Make sure the area is busy and filled with lots of people. Daytime is better. If you must meet after dark, make sure the area is well lit and there are lots of people around.
• It’s a good idea to bring a friend, or even two. Let other friends or family know about your plans. Have them check on you at a specific time after the meeting if you don’t call them first.
• Be sure to have your cellphone with you.
• If you are selling/buying something and become suspicious of the buyer/seller for any reason, don’t let them in your car but leave immediately. For example, don’t be afraid to say: “I’m sorry I wasted your time. Something has come up and I need to leave right now. Again, I’m sorry. Bye.” And leave. Your safety is more important than being polite.
• Do not carry a large amount of cash with you, and to leave immediately if the advertised product is not at the agreed place.
• If you are robbed, give the suspects the property they demand; your life is more valuable than your property.