Philippi East police have urged motorists, particularly those travelling to and from Mitchell’s Plain, to be extra vigilant following a spike in hijackings and robberies in the area.
Police have warned that criminals are especially active in New Eisleben, Govan Mbeki, Sheffield and Stock roads in the precinct where victims are targeted between 5am and 5pm as they leave for work or during busy pay days near Goal Supermarket.
They have also raised concerns about an increase in online scams where unsuspecting buyers have fallen victim to hijackings and robberies. Police said in Philippi East, online shopping scams luring victims to the area have become prevalent, resulting in them either being hijacked or robbed.
Police spokesperson, Captain Granville Meyer, said although perpetrators are targeting everyone, most of the victims are those who are travelling from or to Mitchell’s Plain or are en route to their destination using New Eisleben Road.
He said the robbers attack and rob the drivers of personal belongings and their vehicles. “Most victims are those who are from Mitchell’s Plain or on their way to Mitchell’s Plain. I know it is not (always) feasible, but I would advise those who are going to the airport, Bellville and other areas where you have to go through New Eisleben Road, to rather use the R300.
“That road is dangerous. We have been receiving a lot of hijacking reports. There is also Govan Mbeki, Sheffield and Stock roads,” he warned.
Captain Meyer said it was sometimes difficult to apprehend suspects for all the incidents because of the street traders who are too close to the roads and pose another challenge to fight crime.
He said robbers sometimes act as if they are also selling or trading goods. He said robbers often target courier bakkies.
Captain Meyer also appealed to social media buyers to use common sense. He said criminals are luring them to the area with items like boats, dogs and drones being sold online. “People must use their intelligence and gut (instincts). We ought to be honest here – you will never get a boat in the townships. Yes you can get dogs and other items but a boat and drones should tell you that you are scammed and you will be robbed.”
He said they had an incident of a white couple who came to the area for something they saw advertised online and they were robbed. “If buyers are coming this side, they should at least tell their contacts to meet them at the police station,” he advised.
Captain Meyer said they also have the challenge of residents who are not locking their houses at night and get robbed in the process. He urged the community to make it a point to lock up their houses, day and night. “Not locking their doors is an invitation to robbers or to thieves to steal goods. We have been getting cases of thieves getting into the houses easily because they are not locked, at night nogal. Residents must lock up before going to sleep,” he said.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about these and other crimes to call them on the toll-free Crime Stop line at 08600 10111 or use the MySAPS App to provide information anonymously. Information received will be kept confidential.
