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It appears as though Johannesburg-based hijackers are taking their modus operandi up a notch, attacking people in their cars while stuck in a traffic jam.

Early on Tuesday morning, several motorists were robbed of their belongings during peak traffic on the M1-M2 split at the Crown Interchange in Johannesburg.

The five men were armed with 9mm guns and taking anything they could as people sat idle in the traffic.

The suspects are believed to be informal miners who reportedly used bridges to avoid capture, according to Vision Tactical director Yaseen Theba via TimesLIVE.

“According to reports, they were robbing commuters of their cellphones while motorists were stuck in traffic.”

Image: TimesLIVE

“Images of the alleged suspects have gone viral, and voice notes from witnesses providing descriptions of the suspects and detailing the robberies are also circulating.”

Crime reporter Yusuf Abramjee posted about it on X:

It is suspected that illegal miners operating in the area are behind these robberies.

Police visibility has been beefed-up.

Victims have been urged to open charges.#CrimeWatch https://t.co/tRjpyjebIQ

— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) February 20, 2024

The Vision Tactical team, in collaboration with the Johannesburg metro police department’s tactical response unit members, thoroughly combed the area to search for the suspects, Theba said, while urging witnesses and victims to file reports at the Johannesburg Central police station to provide more details for investigators.

#JHBUpdate: Motorists on M1 near Gold Reef City, stay alert! Reports of five armed individuals disrupting traffic and targeting drivers. Members from our SSU & Law enforcement are swarming the area, aiding those affected and on the hunt for the perpetrators. Stay safe out there!…

— Vision Tactical (@visiontactical) February 20, 2024

He cautioned motorists to be extra vigilant as there has recently been a noticeable increase in highway incidents due to this month’s high temperatures.

He clarified that the warm conditions can lead drivers to let down their guard and open their windows under the assumption they are safe on the highway, but “This makes them more vulnerable to criminal activities”.

“We strongly recommend motorists and passengers stay alert and cautious while in traffic”.

[source:timeslive]