Following a shooting incident involving a 68-year-old woman in Weltevreden Park on 6 February, Netcare 911 has issued safety tips for motorists involved in a hijacking.
In an article recently published by Randburg Sun, Elderly woman critical after being shot in her driveway in Weltevreden Park, it was reported that the elderly woman was rushed to hospital by paramedics after she was shot several times by unknown suspects.The incident took place on the corner of Thorn Avenue and Wonderboom Road.
Spokesperson for Honeydew Police Station, Captain Balan Muthan confirmed knowledge of the incident and said police were investigating the matter.
Here are some motorists tips from Netcare 911 that could assist in prevention from falling victim:
- Be extra alert when 2km from your house. Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.
- Stop your vehicle by your gate and select reverse while waiting for the gate to open. When inside the property, remain in reverse while the gate closes behind you.
- Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
- Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
- Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
- Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
- Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be a sign that the perpetrators over-powered them.
- Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
- When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
- If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, make sure nobody suspicious is around and that the road is clear. Stop right in front of your gate. Do not switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition, get out and close the door. Then open the gate. Drive in and close the gate immediately behind you.
- If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you. You need the key as a negotiating tool. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
- If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.
Do you have any tips that you would like to share with us? Share on our timeline Roodepoort Northsider and save a life.
