ANTI-HIJACK UPDATE FOR MARCH 2009

Sadly, Crime is on the increase at an alarming rate – both in vehicles and house robberies. There have not been hijackings as such reported, but vehicle theft. Land cruisers are still in demand - and this has now become evident in other areas to those previously reported. Please make sure your vehicles are secure once parked, as theft is not only happening in the undercover of night. If you are leaving the vehicle parked for a period of time, disarm it or remove the battery for safety. We are all well aware of the cost to replace such valuable items and the added stress and inconvenience that goes with it all is best avoided. For those traveling to South Africa by road please be very alert as bogus Police identities are being flashed to try to make you pull over where you are not only hijacked but robbed of all goods purchased and cash. Reported cases of hijackings, including shootouts all involving Zimbabweans. Zimbabweans are seen as soft targets as they usually do not have weapons and carry hard cash.

House robberies are rife in most areas; those reported are Borrowdale, Mount Pleasant, Emerald Hill, Bluff Hill, Avondale West, and Strathaven. It is evident that these gangs are after CASH foremost then jewellery, mobile phones and laptops. It is advised that you do not keep large sums of forex in your homes and you are careful with all transactions, as we seem to be all sitting targets - be very careful, alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Please keep your windows locked in areas of the premises not being used and alarms activated. Windows being left open for pets is not advised – this is an easy entry, bars removed and access gained, especially if you are away ! We are in a very harsh environment and have to be aware of our place and situation, make sure you are not being followed, keep your guard up. We all have a part to play in keeping our country a safe haven to live and visit.


Let’s ALL fight this crime together - stay ALERT and SAFE !

ANTI HIJACK TRUST: NATIONAL HOTLINE: 091 2 242 512
TEL/FAX: HARARE 04-309870/309800 /091 2 221 921
Email: hijack@mweb.co.zw or hijack@zol.co.zw