Last week a reader warned others to be cautious when using Main Road in Strand after he was nearly hijacked (“Near-victim warns of targeted hijackings in Strand,” DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette, Wednesday 1 June).
Edward Abrahams told the story of how he was almost hijacked when on his way to work on Saturday 28 May at the traffic lights in Main Road at Jimmy’s Trailer Hire (number 175).
He recalled no-one being around when he stopped and suddenly his vehicle was surrounded by three men who tried to open the doors. Fortunately, for him the doors were locked and an oncoming motorist scared off the men.
Philip Versfeld of Strand Neighbourhood Watch (SNW) is of the opinion this incident was exaggerated, and although it could have been serious it makes Strand sound dangerous and like a hijacking hot spot.
According to police stats only seven hijackings took place in Strand during 2020 and 2021.
“If we have two hijackings a year in Strand then that is a lot,” he said. “It does not happen here that often.”
Versveld wants people to distinguish among Strand, Lwandle, Gordon’s Bay and Nomzamo.
“I know these areas are very close to one another, but remember Broadlands Road, all the way to Tarentaal Plaas, falls under Strand and then there’s Gordon’s Bay. It is a different area. So if a hijacking happens close on the border of Strand it does not mean it happened in Strand.”
Versfeld said the reason news of hijackings has spread so far and wide is that a hijacking is a very violent crime.
“Hijackings are a priority crime. That is why we always use our Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras to track what is going on and where the culprits are currently. Please understand these types of crime are violent, and that is why the neighbourhood watch is keeping an eye out for any hijackings.” he pointed out.
