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**FOR SOCIAL AND OTHER EVENTS IN SUNNINGHILL GARDENS - GO TO UPCOMING EVENTS.Are you experiencing problems and are getting no joy with Council? Contact our ward Councillor is Clr Annette Deppe 082-8868-519
SOME INTERESTING INFORMATION ON HIGH JACKING
Hijacking is not a new or unique problem to South Africa.
The first hijacking was recorded in 1984. Between January and August 1996, there were 8 740 hijackings in South Africa, of which 5 251 were in Gauteng.
WHEN AM I THE MOST VUNERABLE?
At traffic lights 7%
At a stop street or yield sign 6%
At other intersections 1%
In front of private residences 51%
At business premises 5%
At shops, post offices, telephone booths, etc 3%
At filling stations 1%
Victims sitting in parked cars 10%
Victims forced off road by decoys 4%
Victims parking 2%
While loading and offloading goods 2%
By hitch-hikers 1%
While taxis are loading/offloading passengers 4%
HOW SHOULD I RESPOND IN THE EVENT OF BEING HIJACKED?
·No matter how outraged you may feel at the time, your prime objective must be to look after your personal safety and that of your passengers. The preservation of human life must take precedence over material assets.
·Do nothing that is going to alarm the hijackers. Never initiate any movement yourself. This may give the hijacker the impression that you are reaching for a gun or panic button. Remember – the hijackers will be as nervous, if not more so, than you. Do not motion with your hands. Rather tell the hijackers where they can find the items. Keep you hands clearly visible and as still as possible, ideally at chest level. Do not raise them above your head as the hijackers may interpret this as you trying to attract the attention of a third party.
·Answer any Questions truthfully especially with regard to firearms. If the hijacker finds out or suspects that you have lied to him, he is more likely to turn violent and unleash his frustrations on you physically.
·Even in your shocked and terrified state, try to listen to and understand exactly what they hijackers want from you.
·Try to concentrate on the possibility of identifying your attackers at a later stage. But remember – this does not mean staring at your attackers, making it obvious that you are looking for a means of identifying them. Stare openly at them and they will be less willing to release you, as they will think that you have incriminating evidence against them.
·If they kidnap you – co-operate with them fully. If you have a baby sleeping in the back seat which they may not have noticed, tell the attackers. Tell them that driving away with your child is only going to make things more difficult for them. Ask them if they can fetch your child. Do not move towards the car without their explicit directive. Tell them that a baby means them no harm and is no threat. Do the same if you have a pet in the car. Do not push the issue to the point where your life may be threatened at the expense of a pet.