Katlehong, Gauteng – A surge in hijackings in the Kathorus area has left residents concerned, as crime-fighting units and private security companies work tirelessly to respond to a growing threat from a suspected hijacking syndicate operating in Orange Farm, Lawley, and Ennerdale.
The latest incident occurred on Friday evening when a young man driving a Mercedes Benz V-Class was hijacked while on his way to Khumalo Valley, Katlehong. He was heading to Supreme Mandla's house when the hijacking took place. In an immediate response, members of different crime units, who were already in the area preparing for a funeral at the Nkambule family home, sprang into action. Utilizing over 20 vehicles and a helicopter, they searched tirelessly across Ennerdale, Lawley, and Orange Farm for the stolen vehicle.
A significant breakthrough came early Saturday morning when the vehicle was recovered near Orange Farm. This recovery, however, was not the last hijacking to occur in the area over the weekend.
On Saturday night, another driver was shot and injured in a hijacking incident at Mpedi section, Katlehong. The criminals made off with his silver Mercedes Benz A45, which bore Limpopo registration plates. The incident prompted a "Be On the Lookout" (BOLO) alert across all private security companies and crime-fighting units in Gauteng.
A few hours later, Hi-Care Security personnel received a tip-off and located the stolen vehicle in Lenasia South. The pursuit ended with the hijackers crashing into a donkey that was crossing the road. After the accident, the suspects abandoned the vehicle at the scene and fled.
The spike in hijackings in recent weeks points to the emergence of a new criminal syndicate or perhaps an older syndicate shifting its base of operations from Zonkizizwe and Vosloorus to Orange Farm, Lawley, and Ennerdale. The targeted vehicles, including high-end models like Mercedes Benz, suggest that the syndicate is well-organized and primarily focused on the Kathorus region.
Law enforcement and private security firms are now closely monitoring this disturbing trend and are actively planning coordinated operations to curb the rise in hijackings. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant, particularly when driving at night. "We plead with all community members to stay alert, avoid using your vehicles as dining rooms or mobile hotel rooms, and be mindful of their surroundings," said a crime unit spokesperson.
As law enforcement increases efforts to address this growing threat, residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity and take extra precautions to ensure their safety.
Reports Hi Care Reaction Unit
