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Johannesburg - Earlier in February, Road safety group Arrive Alive and the South African Long-distance Truckers (SALTruckers) tweeted an image of a naked woman attempting to distract a truck driver on the N17 in Gauteng.
SALTruckers are investigating the situation as it involves one of its drivers. Bizarrely, SALTruckers confirms a similar incident occurred years ago in the North West.
On Thursday, information regarding the identity of the alleged hijacker has been revealed and police will be investigating.
Identifying the woman
The Arrive Alive website received information regarding the naked hijacker.
Arrive Alive: “During contact with the original source a phone call has been received from an individual who claimed to have identified the lady whom was 'flashing' the truck driver and was alleged to have worked together with others in an attempt at hijacking a truck.
"The information supplied by the member of the public has provided detail as to the identity of the woman, as well as that she may have been involved in another hijacking. An offer was also made to be contacted for further information and assistance in pursuing this matter through the proper enforcement channels [via the police]. The details will be shared with the Police for further investigation.
"The original source of the pics has also confirmed a similar incident years earlier on the N12 near Christiana.
Arrive Alive: “This is an effective illustration of the power of social media and community involvement in making our roads safer. We can assist in reporting bad driving, reporting corruption or reporting criminal activity on our roads.”
LET'S TALK: Communication between SALTruckers and the Individual claiming to know the identy of the naked hijacker. Image: Supplied / Arrive Alive
Have you witnessed bizarre hijacking tactics? Have you been the victim of a hijacking? Share your thoughts via email, Facebook and Twitter.
New hijacking method on N17 ..Naked women trying to stop truck... colleagues on side of road running to truck door @SALTruckers @Wheels24 pic.twitter.com/OWo6UrIHB6
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) February 12, 2017
Child sitting in the middle of the road
Earlier in 2017, Wheels24 reported that a sheriff's office says a woman narrowly escaped being carjacked after spotting what she thought was a child sitting in the middle of the road in the dark of night.
It turned out to be a dummy, dressed in children's clothing. And as the woman slowed her car, two men wearing dark hoodies approached and pulled on her door handles.
She sped away and called for help as the suspects fled, according to the sheriff's office in Carteret County, North Carolina.
Maj. Jason Wank says authorities destroyed the dummy later Sunday, just in case. He's asking for help finding those responsible.
Earlier in 2016, Arrive Alive reported on several startling stories of hijackers adopting a similar tactic to prey on South African motorists.
A statement posted by Arrive Alive read: "We received some info of a possible body lying on the road near the R102.
Hijack doll in SA
READ: Hijacking in SA - 'Quick thinking saved our lives!'
"Please be vigilant and report any irregularities to the South African Police Service so that it can be checked out."
Preying on unsuspecting motorists
Johan Jonck, editor of Arrive Alive, said: "By law there is no legal obligation to stop and assist a road crash victim, unless you have been the driver causing the injury. It is, however, the kindness of the motoring public that motivates a driver to stop and assist.
"It is this kindness that's exploited by hijackers to take 'easy' possession of a motorists most likely to be unarmed and with his/her vehicle still running."
Jonck says criminals believe a 'kind-hearted motorist' stopping to assist could be less likely to offer physical resistance.
For more information on how to avoid possible hijackings, click here.
READ: Dangerous objects on the surface of the road
Jonck concludes: "We believe an informed road user is a more alert and cautious road user. We (Arrive Alive) will strive to keep our road users updated and informed of hijacking and other techniques used by criminals to take ownership of their vehicles."
Have you witnessed hijacking tactics in SA? Have you been the victim of a hijacking? Let us know via email, Facebook and Twitter.
Modus operandi used by hijackers
• Most hijackings take place in the driveways of residential areas.
• These hijackers prefer areas with accessible escape routes.
• Hijackings take place while stationed at any traffic sign or intersection.
• Hijackings take place while stationary next to the road, e.g. to answer cell phone.
• Hijackings also occur at post offices and parking areas or you may be followed leaving the filling station with the objective to hijack your vehicle where it is quiet.
• The hijackers sometimes use a vehicle to force the victim off the road.
• Hijackings take place at schools when dropping off / picking up children.
• Hijackings take place while the vehicle is idling when off-loading / loading passengers.
• Hijackings take place when advertising your vehicle for sale (Test drive method).
• Bogus Police or Traffic Officers also conduct hijackings (Blue light scenario).
The doll used by gang of hijackers in the US. Image: AP
When parking your vehicle
• Check your rear-view mirror to ensure you are not being followed.
• When exiting your vehicle, be cautious and aware of surrounding obstructions and shrubbery that may be concealing a hijacker.
• Never sit in your parked vehicle without being conscious of your surroundings. Sleeping in a stationary vehicle is particularly dangerous.
• When approaching your driveway, be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles/persons. This is very important as the majority of hijackers approach their victims in home driveways.
WATCH: SA driver's quick reactions beats hijacker
Wheels24 contacted City of Cape Town Alderman JP Smith regarding the hijacking doll. At the time he was unaware of this doll and said he would revert back to us with any information received on the matter.
