Bellair & Lambert Road - Thursday around 20:30
A resident had just parked his car on the sidewalk when two men approached him. One held a gun in his hand partly hidden by his sleeve - however victim noticed it was actaully a pellet hand gun. They demanded his car keys and also searched his pockets. Suspects took his keys and attempted to steal his car. A tussle broke out and the victim took his car keys back. Neighbours heard the noise and some shouted. The suspects then ran off and ran down Wexford Road (later to attempt another hijacking in Lambert Street and then apprehended). A friend of the victim later randown Derry Street to persue the suspects. The victim was hit on the head with the pellet gun during the tussle and was attended to by a TBKwatch medic for a cut on his head. The pellet gun broke apart when hit.
The suspects then ran down Lambert Road.
A woman was waiting in the passenger seat of a parked car while her boyfriend had quickly run inside a nearby restaurant. The car keys were in the ignition. The two men casually walked up to the vehicle. One man asked if she could help them and suddenly opened the driver door of the car. He threatened the woman to get out which she did. The other man climbed into the passenger seat. The woman screamed for help and her boyfriend, a passing resident and a friend of the first hijacking victim came to help. The two suspects threatened the men and said they had a gun. They couldnt start the car due to the immobiliser and got out and ran. The residents, realising the suspects had no gun, chased them and tackled them on Wexford Street. A TBKwatch and a Gardens Watch radio holder were visiting a nearby home and witnessed the persuit. They immediately assisted and alerted the Neighbourhood Watch radio network. An alert was relayed by TBKwatch on the DPVwatch radio network. SAPS responded immediately and arrested both suspects on the spot. Many DPVwatch radioholders responded immediately to assist with both hijackings and several additional SAPS vehicles were on the scene within minutes.
The men are still behind bars. The do not have a criminal record and said they decided to do a hijacking as they had heard from their friends that it was easy. As alarming as this incident is, it is only the second hijacking incident to be reported in the four year history of DPVwatch.
Well done to all the community members who assisted and to SAPS for a speedy and strong response.
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