2 new crimes targeting South African motorists at petrol stations

There are two new methods gaining traction with which criminals are targeting South African motorists, specifically at filling stations.

One is usually aimed at female drivers while the other at males, though in both cases, it involves a “distressed” female scammer who tries to swindle them out of their money, said MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert.

In the first scenario that targets women, another female approaches the driver and says her possessions were stolen. She asks the driver to call her husband, but the call goes unanswered.

Usually, a well-meaning driver will offer to give the “victim” a lift as she already mentioned she lives a just few kilometres away.

“A car with another two perpetrators follows them. On a quiet street, they flash the motorist and the passenger claims it is her husband,” said Herbert.

“When the driver stops, the driver is forced to go with the criminals to numerous ATMs.”

In the second scenario that targets men, a young girl dressed in a school uniform asks the driver to call her mom as she has no airtime. The “mother” asks to speak to the girl and the phone is handed over or put on speaker.

The girl then climbs into the car under the guise of hearing better.

“After the call, the girl stays seated until a police officer (it is unclear if he is a real officer or not) knocks on the window. The schoolgirl accuses the driver of sexual assault and the officer then solicits a bribe,” said Herbert.

Under the new gender-based violence or domestic violence act, allegations of sexual assault against a minor will result in an immediate arrest, according to Richard Brussow, chief instructor of the National Hijack Prevention Academy.

Brussow said he has dealt with cases where the motorist has been placed in handcuffs and berated for the situation they find themselves in, despite not being guilty of any crime.

Exercise caution and don’t be afraid to speak up

While it’s natural to want to help your fellow citizen, it is advised to take extreme caution when someone approaches you in your vehicle regardless of the surroundings.

Instead of calling the woman’s supposed husband, call the police for her. If you offer to call the authorities and she walks away, still contact them to prevent another motorist from becoming her target.

Moreover, don’t allow a stranger into your car, and lock your doors at all times to reduce your risk of becoming a victim of one of these crimes.

“If your car does not automatically lock the doors, develop a habit of locking it immediately on entering. This will protect you against criminals at traffic lights or filling stations,” said Herbert.

Before unlocking doors at a petrol station, also look around for suspicious people, including school girls, loitering close by.

It is especially difficult to determine the extent of the crime with males as it often goes unreported, but it is important that the authorities be made aware of these incidents.

“Both scenarios should be reported because if law enforcement is not aware of hot spots and the crime’s common occurrence, measures cannot be taken to reduce it,” said Herbert.

As the festive season approaches, crime is expected to spike in South Africa as thieves and hijackers take advantage of motorists who are in a jolly mood and not paying as much attention to their environment.

Therefore, safe practices to employ over the December holiday period include parking in reverse so that a quick and safe exit in an emergency is possible, and if you feel someone is following you, ask security to escort you to your car.

“Have car keys in your hand before leaving the mall and put parcels in the boot quickly without fuss. Don’t spend time scratching through bags for something. Do not let your guard down even if it is the Festive Season,” concludes Herbert.

“As we enter a period of increased crime, be sure you do everything possible to avoid becoming a victim yourself.”