Philicity Reeken opens up after attempted hijacking incident
The most carjacking cases were reported in Gauteng, according to the South African Police Service.
Car hijacking and theft are a frightening reality in South Africa - which is why it’s important to remain vigilant at all times and pay attention while driving.
Data published by vehicle-tracking company Tracker in January shows that most hijackings are reported on Wednesday through to Friday and between the hours of 16h00 and 20h00.
This almost became Philicity Reeken's reality.
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On Wednesday night, while driving home from work after 19h00, the well-known radio host and actress missed an attempted hijacking.
Reeken spoke out about the terrifying moment.
"I was sitting at the red light and out of the corner of my eye, I see a man approaching my car. I then suddenly saw him about to do something at my back passenger window," she said.
"I started pulling off and he ran away back into the dip next to the highway."
"It was terrifying," Reeken added.
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Tracker’s data also shows that Gauteng still experiences the most vehicle crime, with hijacking prevalent in Johannesburg.
Hijacking prevention guidelines which you can follow:
- Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
- Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address - do not turn into your driveway - pass and go back later.
- Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators overpowered them.
- When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions.
- Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings.
- Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
- Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
- When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
- When approaching a red traffic light at night, slow down so that you only reach it when it turns green.
- NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (VERY IMPORTANT)
Click here for more hijacking prevention guidelines provided by Arrive Alive.
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Image: Jacaranda FM