CPF warns of hijacking spike on R510 and surrounding routes

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – As residents gear up for the busy festive season, growing fears about alleged hijackings on the R510 near Rustenburg have placed motorists on edge — despite police stating they have no confirmed incidents on record.

Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone has called for caution and accuracy, stressing that police cannot verify any of the alleged hijacking reports. “These allegations are circulating, yet we have no confirmed cases on record. We urge anyone with information to report it to the police, as unsubstantiated claims can create unnecessary fear in the community,” he said.

But on the ground, community structures say they are seeing a worrying trend. Community Policing Forum (CPF) EXCO chairperson Marcus Haasbroek has expressed deep concern over what he describes as a sharp rise in hijackings along the R510 in recent months.

Haasbroek says criminals are exploiting the road’s environmental weaknesses — poor visibility, inadequate lighting, thick vegetation, and high traffic volumes from Rustenburg’s CBD to the Boitekong and Sunrise Park areas.

“The vehicle hijackings taking place on the R510 have significantly increased. The criminals are using the environmental design to their advantage due to the lack of police visibility, lighting and vegetation control… We urge the community to be alert and not pick up strangers. If you feel you’re being targeted, drive to the nearest police station — not a garage — as criminals take advantage of the chaos.”

He further recommends motorists travel in groups when possible, and called on SANRAL to help address the issue by installing an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) CCTV system along the route.

Province-wide warning: hijackers targeting major routes
Beyond Rustenburg, a broader alert has been issued for motorists travelling across the N14, N4, R510, R503, R53 and R52 in the North West Province.

Recent incidents reported between Ventersdorp, Coligny, Lichtenburg, Koster and Rustenburg suggest that hijackers are using varied tactics, including:

• Pretending to be stranded motorists
• Posing as officials
• Following vehicles until drivers stop in isolated areas

Authorities caution that drivers should treat any suspicious situation with extreme care.

How to stay safe: hijacking prevention tips

• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings
• If you feel unsafe, drive straight to a police station
• Avoid stopping in dark or isolated areas
• Watch for suspicious vehicles following you
• Lock your doors, close windows, hide valuables
• Do not use your phone while driving
• Time traffic lights at night to reduce stopping
• Leave space between vehicles to allow an escape route
• Avoid driving alone late at night
• Never pick up strangers
• Vary your daily routes
• If bumped from behind, drive to a public place or police station before stopping