The South African Police Service (SAPS) has warned Gauteng motorists that criminals are taking advantage of non-operating traffic lights plaguing the roads to steal valuables from cars caught in the traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite a recent break-in load-shedding, many areas within the City of Johannesburg are currently plagued with non-functioning traffic lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This has led to an accumulation of traffic at these intersections, causing severe congestion that can last for hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The resulting traffic delays have created a perfect opportunity for criminals to carry out smash-and-grab incidents, leaving many motorists feeling vulnerable and unsafe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Gauteng law enforcement, thieves disguise themselves as beggars or vendors, scout vehicles in traffic for accessible personal belongings, and strike at the first opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Additionally, Security experts noted that traffic lights across the country remain a hotspot for hijackings and cautioned South African motorists to stay alert while filling up, note their surroundings and suspicious characters in the area, and keep their doors locked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Areas flagged by law enforcement for these crimes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recent spate of smash-and-grab incidents has followed another similar one<\/a> that recently occurred on the M1 freeway in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the rush hour traffic on the M1-M2 freeway split, a group of armed robbers took advantage of the gridlock traffic and robbed several motorists at gunpoint. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The motorists had nowhere to go and were forced to surrender their valuables, including cell phones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to reports, the criminals behind this act are believed to be part of illegal mining operations in the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This incident has raised concerns about the safety of people who commute on the highways in Gauteng during peak-hour traffic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In response to the incident, the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has ordered a maximum mobilisation of officers along Gauteng highways and other strategic locations during peak hours to avoid such incidents in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The SAPS Highway Patrol, SAPS Airwing, and Gauteng Flying Squad units have also been assigned to conduct regular patrols on routes identified as high-risk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This move by the SAPS aims to ensure the safety of commuters and prevent such incidents from happening again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n