Crime Wave Hits Carletonville: A Week Marked by Hijackings and Armed Robberies
- Karen Scheepers
- 16 hours ago
- 3 min read
The Carletonville community has endured a tense and troubling week as a series of violent crimes, including hijackings, kidnappings, and armed robberies, struck various parts of the area. From the R501 highway to Khutsong and Blyvoor, residents were left shaken as criminals carried out brazen attacks, leaving authorities intensifying investigations and patrols.
Blue-Light Kidnappers Strike on R501
A shocking case of impersonation and kidnapping unfolded when a 50-year-old man was abducted by a group posing as traffic officers along the R501 toward Randfontein.The victim, driving a white Nissan NP300 company bakkie, stopped after being signalled by what appeared to be legitimate officials next to a white minibus. After handing over his driver’s license, he was told it had expired and was asked to accompany them for verification.
Moments later, the supposed officers forcibly pulled him into their vehicle, leaving his bakkie behind. He was later dumped in a ditch in Protea, Soweto, before managing to find help. The incident has raised serious concerns about the growing trend of criminals using blue lights and uniforms to deceive motorists.
Khutsong Woman Robbed at Gunpoint During Home Invasion
In Khutsong Extension 5, a 48-year-old woman faced a terrifying ordeal during a pre-dawn home invasion. Around 01:50, intruders broke through her window and forced their way into her bedroom. Two armed suspects, one speaking Sesotho, demanded money before stealing her cellphone and meat from the house.
The robbers fled on foot, and police have since opened a case of house robbery. The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns in residential areas and the urgent need for improved security and community vigilance.
Armed Robbery at Blyvoor Tuck Shop
The week’s violence extended to Blyvoor, where two armed suspects targeted the Awet Tuck Shop in a bold daylight robbery. At around 15:00, the owner’s son and cousin were unloading stock when the robbers struck, forcing them to the ground at gunpoint. The assailants made off with mobile phones, cash, and an airtime machine before fleeing in a white Isuzu bakkie belonging to the business.
Police have launched a full investigation and are appealing to the public to assist in locating the stolen vehicle and identifying the suspects. The attack has shaken small business owners who already operate under challenging conditions.
Hijacking in Carletonville’s New Industrial Area
Adding to the week’s crime surge, a man driving his employer’s Hyundai H100 was hijacked in the New Industrial Area. Three armed suspects in a blue Ford Figo intercepted the van on Haulage Street.The assailants took the vehicle’s keys and forced the driver into their car before speeding away toward Randfontein. The victim’s cellphone was also stolen, but he later managed to reach safety and report the incident.
Authorities are investigating both kidnapping and hijacking charges, urging the public to report any sightings or information linked to the stolen vehicle and suspects.
Community Response and Police Appeal
The string of crimes has left Carletonville residents alarmed and calling for stronger policing measures, especially on major routes like the R501 and in vulnerable residential zones. Police have reassured the public that investigations are ongoing and that patrols will be intensified to curb such incidents.
Community safety groups have also urged residents to remain vigilant, verify official vehicles before stopping, and report any suspicious activity immediately to the nearest police station.
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