By: Natasha Archary

South African motorists are being warned to be cautious when filling up as there is a spike in hijackings at petrol stations.
Gone are the days where motorists were advised to drive to the nearest petrol station if they were being followed, because there are CCTV cameras and a level of safety.
Instead, drivers are now being targeted whilst waiting to be attended to, or while they are filling up at petrol stations.
Motorists are being targeted day or night at petrol stations, whether they are going to the ATM, into the convenience store at petrol stations, or forced at gunpoint to get out of their vehicles.
The hijacking and murder of Kaizer Chiefs player, Luke Fleurs highlighted the lack of safety at petrol stations in the country.
Fleurs was shot and killed at a petrol station in Honeydew on Wednesday, 03 April at approximately 20h30.
The 24-year old PSL player was driving a red VW Golf 8 GTI and was waiting to be attended to at the filling station on 14th Avenue when he was confronted by two armed men.
The suspects who were driving a white BMW 1 series pointed a firearm at Fleurs, forcing him out of his vehicle before shooting him once on the upper body.
Executive Head: Claims and Procurement at MiWay Insurance, Youlon Naidoo shared some safety tips to help motorists stay vigilant when stopping at a petrol station.
Make sure no one is following you
Hijackers are constantly attempting new tactics, so car owners also need to be smarter and stay a step ahead by being constantly aware of their surroundings.
Whether leaving the shopping mall or a petrol station– both being commonly targeted areas – keep an eye on your rearview mirror to ensure that no one is tracking your route. Regardless of the make, model or the colour of the vehicle, always stay vigilant.
Alternate your route home
Changing your daily route from your original route when heading home may be wise.
Attackers are more likely to learn your travel patterns and follow you home when using the exact same route daily.
Know your nearest police station
If it looks as though you are being followed or should you feel uncomfortable, do not drive home, instead head to your nearest police station.
Having an escape route planned will help to distract criminals and alert them that you have spotted their unusual actions.
The 4 high risk cars in South Africa currently
Many of these vehicles are stolen and moved across the border before they can be recovered.
If your high-end vehicle has electronic features or additional security systems, it’s necessary to take precautions so that you don’t become an easy target for criminal syndicates.
The 4 high risk vehicles are:
- Toyota Fortuner GD6 and D4D
- VW Polo
- Nissan NP 200
- Ford Ranger single and double cabs
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