the-boere-volk

What exactly are the legal requirements of self-defense?

In all cases where a person is killed, the matter is investigated to establish if anyone was responsible for the death.  This is the point when people perceive they are being charged with murder by the police and believe they cannot defend themselves against an unlawful attack without being charged.  If your action is within the principles of self-defense, there is nothing to worry about.

Freight Hijacking 
A commercial vehicle is hijacked not only to secure the vehicle but also its cargo, which can be of substantial value.  Frequently, the cargo is of more interest to the hijacker than the truck.

 Transport Hijacking 
The vehicle is taken for the express purpose of using it as transport during other crimes such as drug dealing, burglaries, bank robberies and gun running.  The vehicles are probably later cannibalised for spare parts or simply dumped.

 Showmanship Hijacking 
A gang operates out of egotistical bravado, acting on the “this is a cool thing to be doing” rationale.  Peer group pressure is very high and individuals may be coerced into more dangerous and daredevil approaches; being labeled a “sissy” if they don’t.  Thus intimidation, violence and vandalism are associated with the crime.  Drugs and alcohol may also be a motive as theft of the victim’s personal belongings is commonplace.

 Operational Hijacking 
A group formally work together in a more structured way.  They usually have experience in car theft and have established contacts within the motorcar underworld that will receive and pay cash for stolen vehicles or spare parts.

 Syndicate Hijacking 
The most organised of all and often has international connections.  A network of hijacking groups is established with the overall coordinator, syndicating out work so that he remains out of view in exactly the same way as the drug baron uses pushers.  This makes identifying and arresting the ultimate boss
very difficult.  Additionally, a syndicate is often backed by a lot of money, especially if there are international links and makes full use of any potential to bribe the authorities in order to protect their operations.

• 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). 

Approaching and entering your driveway:

2km from your house strategy.  Be extra alert.  Switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings.  If you have noticed any vehicle behind you, use the techniques you have learned during the hijack prevention & survival course to determine whether you are being followed. 

Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close.  This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.

Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside.  It might be perpetrators observing the area.
Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual.  It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate.  Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.

If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door.  Then open the gate. 

If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception).  You need the key as a “negotiating tool”.  The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.

If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur.

Other situations:

If approached by a stranger while in your vehicle, drive off if possible or use your hooter to attract attention.

Lock your doors, close your windows and do not have bags or briefcases visible in the vehicle.  Use the boot for this.  Cell phone should also not be visible. 

There are times and days that these items are visible in the vehicle.  Try and open the window they might “smash & grab” about 3 cm, so the window can absorb the sudden impact.  If you’ve left your stopping distance you may be able to escape.

Be constantly on the lookout for suspicious looking characters or vehicles and do not hesitate to report them to the SAPS.

Always be on the alert for potential danger, and be on the lookout for possible escape routes and safe refuge along the way. 

Consider the following actions:

Switch on emergency lights and put your hand out the window (if possible), indicating that they should follow you.  Your intention must be very clear and understandable.

By exceeding the speed limit, you are sending out a message of suspicion, e.g. stolen / hijacked vehicle, transporting stolen goods, under the influence.

Drive to the nearest Police Station or when in doubt, the nearest busy public area.

Always have your identity document and driver’s license in your possession as well as a pen and notebook to take necessary notes.

If possible, avoid driving in the dark.  Hijackers may stage a minor accident, for e.g. If your vehicle is bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable with the individual involved in the situation, indicate he / she must follow you and drive to the nearest Police Station or any busy public area for help.

Never open your vehicle window or door for any stranger.  If a suspicious person is near your unoccupied vehicle, do not approach the vehicle.  Walk to the nearest public area and ask for assistance.

If your vehicle is hijacked or stolen, promptly report it to the SAPS.  Make sure you have the vehicle details:  model, color, vehicle identification and registration numbers available to assist with the recovery of the vehicle.

When forced to drive with a hijacker, be observant without making direct eye contact and try to memorise as many details as possible. 

It is important to describe the hijacker as accurately as possible.  When observing a hijacker, take note of his head and face – the shape of the eyes, mouth, nose and ears.  Take note of possible irregularities.  Look at the hair, skin color, complexion and possible scars and tattoos.  Observe the build, sex, body movement, clothing and any conversation that may take place.

Remember the direction from which they came and fled, as well as the time and place the incident happened.

Remember to make mental and physical notes immediately after the incident to ensure accurate and detailed information for the Police investigation.

One very important fact to remember when being hijacked:
Should the conclusion of the drama be by way of armed intervention, and escape is not possible, immediately drop to the ground, remain still and obey the orders of the leader. 

Denial
Anger
Bargaining
Depression
Acceptance 
 

The following is some general advice to help you cope with trauma in general and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in particular:

Do: 

Express your emotions.
Talk about what has happened as often as you need to.  Seek trauma counselling.
Try to keep your life as normal as possible by following daily routines.
Find opportunities to review the experience.
Look to friends and colleagues for support.
 
 Don’t:

Use alcohol, nicotine or other drugs to hide your feelings.

Simply stay away from work or isolate yourself.  Seek help and support instead (counselling).

Allow anger and irritability to mask your feelings.

Hide your feelings and be afraid to ask for help.

Think your feelings are a sign of weakness. 
Remember that your life is worth more than your vehicle!

Tell A Friend 

For more information on the Hijack Prevention & Survival Course, please contact:

Richard & Melinda Brussow
Cell:  073 161 2344
Tel:  (012) 661-1388
Fax:  0866 317 527
Email:  nhpa@hijack.co.za
Website:  www.hijack.co.za

Amidst the increase in hijackings in South Africa, it is very important to know some of the following aspects:

• How do the hijackers operate?
• When am I most at risk?
• How do I avoid being hijacked?
• What do I do when confronted?

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• Remember to stop your vehicle just on the inside of the gate and select reverse whilst waiting for the gate to close. This creates confusion and may buy you a few seconds for the gate to close completely behind you.
• Check your driveway and street before you leave or enter your premises.
• Make sure your driveway is well lit and clear from shrubbery where perpetrators can hide.
• Be aware of unknown pedestrians close to your residential address – do not turn into your driveway – pass and go back later.
• Liaise with your neighbours – know them.
• Be aware of vehicles parked close to your address with occupants inside. It might be perpetrators observing the area.
• Be alert if your animals do not greet you at the gate as usual. It might be that the perpetrators over-powered them.
• Phone your home and ask for someone to make sure your driveway is safe and to open and close the gate for you.
• When returning home after dark, ensure that an outside light is on, or have someone meet you at the gate. Check with your armed response company if they are rendering rendezvous services.
• If at any time you have to open the gate yourself, switch off the vehicle, leave the key in the ignition and close the door. Then open the gate.
• If you have small children in the vehicle, take the key with you (this is the only exception). You then need the key as a “negotiating tool”. The perpetrators want your vehicle and you want your children.
• If your children are older, it is advised that they exit the vehicle with you when opening the gate so that you are all separated from the vehicle should a hijack occur.

• Check 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.

• Inspect the outside and inside of the vehicle before unlocking. (Tyre, tyre, number plate, other side of the vehicle – as explained during the hijack prevention & survival course)
• Know your destination and directions to it; and be alert should you get lost.
• Always drive with your windows closed and doors locked.
• Make a mental note of any Police Stations in the vicinity.
• When stopping behind another vehicle, leave half a vehicle length in front of your vehicle to make an emergency escape if necessary.
• When dropping off a passenger, make sure they are safely in their own vehicle before departing.
• Avoid driving through high crime or unfamiliar areas.
• Avoid driving late at night / early hours of the morning when the roads are quiet.
• Drive in the center lane away from pedestrians where possible.
• If possible, never drive alone.
• NEVER, EVER pick up hitchhikers or strangers. (VERY IMPORTANT)
• Never follow routine routes when driving; change on a regular basis.

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• DO EXACTLY AS TOLD BY THE HIJACKERS!
• Do not resist, especially if the hijacker has a weapon. Surrender your vehicle and move away. Try to put as much distance between yourself and the hijacker(s) as speedily as possible.
• Do not reach for your purse or valuables. Leave everything in the vehicle.
• Try to remain calm at all times and do not show signs of aggression.
• Be compliant to all demands set by the perpetrator.
• Do not make eye contact with the hijacker. He may perceive this behavior as a threat and retaliate aggressively.
• Keep your hands still and visible to the hijacker, so as to give him assurance of your passive content.
• Do not speak too fast (if you are able to talk) and do not make sudden movements.
• Gather as much information as possible without posing a threat.
  • How many people?
  • How many firearms and description thereof?
  • What were the perpetrators wearing (clothing)?
  • To which direction did they drive off?
  • Take note of the language they use (the accent).
• First phone the SA Police Service on 08600 10111. They will dispatch the medical services if needed. Other emergency numbers you could phone are 112 ANY Network (Vodacom+MTN+Cell C) or 147 Vodacom ONLY.

• Bodily injury liability, property damage liability, medical payments coverage, uninsured or under insured motorist coverage, comprehensive coverage etc, are some of the great vehicle insurance benefits available.
• Medical payments coverage assists in paying medical expenses, even if the insured person is injured in somebody else's vehicle. Uninsured motorist coverage protects against expenses incurred as a result of an accident that is caused by another individual who is either uninsured or who has inadequate coverage. 
• Other general vehicle insurance benefits are the cars being covered for their retail value, the fact that you will pay a fixed excess and that repairs done are guaranteed for 12 full months. 
• Another benefit is the provision for extending coverage to others driving your car with your permission. 
• Twenty four hour emergency roadside assistance as well as cash bonuses for not claiming are more insurance benefits. This and many other less obvious vehicle insurance benefits are included in vehicle policies

My car/ motor vehicle is insured - what now?

Benefits of Vehicle Tracking
Vehicle tracking technology has become an important requirement for effective fleet management and improving the safety of company drivers. The benefits of vehicle tracking include:

• Vehicle tracking systems reduce running costs by specifically targeting those who speed and waste fuel. 
• Fuel savings also means it softens the blow to the environment
• It reduces time wasted through vehicle maintenance. In addition, by having a service that ensures your vehicles are regularly serviced means that resale values for the fleet will be higher. It can also help to avoid penalties for issues such as bald tyres and tax as reminders are clear and precise. 
• Insurance companies often offer discounts to companies who implement a GPS vehicle tracking system. This is not only because it encourages safer driving, but also helps recovery if thefts do occur. 
• Vehicle tracking systems are popular in consumer vehicles as a theft prevention and retrieval device.
• When used as a security system, a Vehicle Tracking System may serve as either an addition to or replacement for a traditional car alarm.
• Productivity of workers can be increased by being able to keep track of lunch hours, exposing unauthorised stops and breaks and by evaluating the overtime requests of workers. 
• Tracking devices help businesses to become more “customer friendly”. 
• Drivers now only need a mobile phone with telephony or Internet connection to be inexpensively tracked by and dispatched efficiently to the customer.
• Business owners can find their most productive employees and use this information to implement further training or even implement a system of bonuses to enhance staff members' work ethic. 
• Mobile sales professionals can access real-time locations. For example, in unfamiliar areas, they can locate themselves as well as customers and prospects, get driving directions and add nearby last-minute appointments to itineraries. 
• Vehicle tracking systems will vastly reduce your phone bills as it is no longer a necessity to constantly call employees to find their location. 
• It provides easy access to answer enquiries rapidly and accurately.
• Vehicle tracking systems reduce the amount of paperwork that drivers must fill out. By doing this you not only soften the blow of introducing such a system, but also increase the accuracy of your records. 
• Business owners are more in touch with their business operations and see an increase in efficiency, productivity and accountability in their businesses.
• While paying the same wages many companies see a significant increase in productivity that often coincides with the installation of the tracking system.
• This leads to more jobs completed per day, reduced journey times, fuel savings and improved customer satisfaction.
• Improved health and safety – knowing the location of a workers vehicle can be of significant benefit if that person were to require immediate attention.

The above benefits of vehicle tracking systems are well known amongst fleet management companies. It is also important for the vehicle owner to be alert to the benefits that vehicle equipment and software can have in protecting the physical safety and the general well being of loved ones:

We would like to reflect on a few of these benefits:

• In private cars, installing vehicle tracking software makes the concept of owning and running a private car less stressful for the owner.
• Emergency Assistance - vehicle tracking software will be able to provide accurate information of your car's whereabouts. In an emergency situation, this will enable instant access to receive medical or emergency assistance. 
• The police or tracking company can follow the signal emitted by the tracking system to locate a stolen vehicle.
• Car thieves might tend to stay clear of cars displaying a tracking system sticker or those known to have a tracking device.
• Data to show driving performance monitoring will not only improve driving but also help to optimise the performance of the vehicle.  
• Reducing the average speed of your vehicles and getting your vehicles to slow down and stay within the speed limits relate directly into reduced fuel consumption and maintenance.
• This could also lead to fewer accidents and a saving in your monthly running costs. 
• Insurance companies might provide a lesser premium if shown your vehicles are now driving slower, driving less distances and you are reducing the risk of accidents.
• The additional benefit of reducing speed is that you may hold on to your license longer and receive fewer traffic fines. 
• You can reduce your insurance liability, reduce servicing and maintenance costs with more money available for new and safe tyres. 
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 There is a wide range of vehicle tracking suppliers available and many might claim to be the best! The truth is there is no ‘best’ vehicle tracking supplier, but there will be a supplier whose vehicle tracking products and services meet your specific requirements, are reliable, well established, and offer good support at the right price.

What factors do you need to consider whilst making a decision on vehicle tracking for your vehicle?

• Never assume that all vehicle tracking systems are the same and just choose based on price
• Learn as much as you can about different systems. Research them on the Internet, call the companies and ask for literature. 
• The vehicle tracking system needs to be able to do what you require of it. Determine how much money you are willing to spend. 
• Check exactly what you are getting for your money. Check the fixed and variable costs, set up charges, annual software licensing etc. 
• Qualify and quantify each benefit and prove to yourself and others in your business that there would be a return on each of these benefits and that they are not just a ‘nice to have’.
• Reliability – The best way for you to establish whether a product is reliable is to speak to existing customers
• Customer support – technology is never perfect and vehicle tracking is no different. You will have problems with some of your units over time, which is to be expected, but you need to know that you have the support there when needed. 
• Financial Stability of the Tracking Supplier – there are a rapidly increasing number of tracking companies entering the industry, and almost as many are failing to survive in a very competitive environment. Enquire about your tracking supplier and find out a bit about their history. 
• Find out if, in addition to the fixed costs, there are additional monthly charges e.g. "Airtime". Monthly charges, in addition to the cost of the system itself, can add up. 
• Check the coverage of the tracking system. Are there black spots? If there are, where are they? 
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