Break and grab warning in South Africa – what you need to know-Andre Smit

[Nat Quinn]

Break and grab warning in South Africa – what you need to know-Andre Smit

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned Gauteng motorists that criminals take advantage of non-working traffic lights that plague the roads to steal valuables from cars trapped in traffic.

Despite a recent break-in load shedding, many areas within the City of Johannesburg are currently plagued with non-functional traffic lights.

This has led to an accumulation of traffic at these intersections, causing severe congestion that can last for hours.

The resulting traffic delays have created a perfect opportunity for criminals to carry out break-and-grab incidents, leaving many motorists feeling vulnerable and unsafe.

According to Central Transvaal law enforcement officials, thieves disguise themselves as beggars or sellers, search vehicles in traffic for accessible personal belongings and strike at the first opportunity.

Security experts also noted that traffic lights across the country remain a hotspot for hijackings and urged South African motorists to remain vigilant while filling up, noticing their surroundings and suspicious characters in the area and keeping their doors locked.

Areas marked by law enforcement for these crimes include:

• Alexandra

• Beyers Naude Drive

• Crown changer

• Diepsloot

• Johannesburg CBD

• Malibongwe Drive

• Midrand

• Moroka (Soweto)

• Orange Farm

• Randburg

The recent spate of smash-and-grab incidents followed another similar one recently on the M1 motorway in Johannesburg.

During the rush hour traffic on the M1-M2 motorway split, a group of armed robbers took advantage of the rush hour traffic and robbed several motorists at gunpoint.

The motorists had nowhere to go and were forced to hand over their valuables, including mobile phones.

According to reports, the criminals behind this act are believed to be part of illegal mining activities in the area.

This incident has raised concerns about the safety of people commuting on the Gauteng motorways during peak traffic.

In response to the incident, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, ordered maximum mobilisation of officers along Gauteng highways and other strategic locations during peak periods to avoid such incidents in future.

The SAPS Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing and Gauteng Flying Squad units were also assigned to conduct regular patrols on routes identified as high risk.

This move by the SAPS aims to ensure the safety of commuters and prevent such incidents from happening again.

Speaking to eNCA, Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) spokesperson Xolani Fihla said the increased police patrols on dangerous roads had yielded both positive and negative results.

While minor crimes decreased, the JMPD noted an increase in serious vehicle-related crimes.

Fihla said hit-and-grab incidents have reduced, but crimes such as robberies with aggravating circumstances have increased.

The JMPD advises motorists to remain vigilant on the road and report any crimes they witness to help authorities apprehend the thieves.

source:Break-and-grab warning in South Africa – what you need to know – People’s Power News (volkskrag.co.za)

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