Truck hijacking on the increase
SA – In a press release issued by Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent & Serious Economic Crimes, it reads: ‘During the first quarter of 2022, figures declared by the SAPS showed that truck hijackings increased by a staggering 31.4%’.
Circumstances are ripe for truck hijackings to increase even more. Economic instability, the increasing price of fuel, and many other factors increase drivers’ risk extraordinarily.
According to Mike, there are six main methods that truck hijack syndicates use in SA:
- 1) Fake ‘stop and go’ setups
Hijackers erect fictitious barricades and use police officer clothing. As the trap seems authentic, the driver complies, causing the truck to come to a complete stop. The hijackers then forcefully remove the driver from the automobile before stealing the vehicle and its contents.
- 2) Vehicle sabotage
The hijacker will tamper with the truck’s equipment, such as the brake lights, tyres, or vehicle sensors. In this manner, it will be simple for the hijackers to seize control of the truck because when the driver notices a problem, the driver will automatically stop to investigate it.
- 3) ‘Broken down car’ scams
Hijackers will often pose as innocent victims of a car fault or breakdown and try to flag down a passing truck for help. When the truck driver pulls over to lend a hand, the hijackers will subdue the driver and make off with the vehicle and cargo.
- 4) Forced stop tactics
This occurs when a group of hijackers tries to stop a truck in motion by either using a vehicle or a number of vehicles to push the truck off the road or by having a car rush in front of the truck and then slam on its brakes. The truck’s driver will attempt to prevent a collision by coming to a complete stop or deviating from the road, allowing the hijackers to flank the truck and eject the driver.
- 5) Diversion tactics
This is when a group of hijackers purposefully block a road with obstacles or debris, requiring the driver to stop completely or to reroute. Another technique involves the hijackers pretending to be a window cleaner, hawker, or beggar when the truck is stopped at an intersection before drawing a firearm. They will intimidate the truck driver or smash the window once they are close enough to grab and yank them from the cab.
- 6) Hitch-hiking schemes
The hijacker will pose as a hitchhiker wanting a lift and will try to flag down a passing truck for a lift. However, once they have gotten into the truck, they will proceed to subdue the driver by means of force, usually by holding them at gunpoint and directing them to the predetermined destination. This is where the official theft can occur – out of sight and with total control.
Mike Bolhuis, Specialist Investigators into Serious Violent & Serious Economic Crimes, September 2022 press release extracts
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