Even though reported hijacking incidents have decreased since the beginning of 2023, hijackings continue to plague South Africa. Let’s find out more.1
Crime Statistics in South Africa in 2023
According to Police Minister Bheki Cele, data in February 2023 indicate increased crime levels in South Africa. Although Minister Cele mentioned police are combatting hard to change this trend, there are obstacles encountered to contain the number of hijackings, which has increased by 30% in 2022 compared to the 2019 levels. 1
Hijacking Data
Hijackings nationwide averaged 63 vehicles per day by the end of 2022. Most hijackings occurred in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and the Western Cape. 1
Hijackings in the Provinces
Gauteng averaged 31.9 hijackings per day, followed by KZN at 10.3 vehicles per day, while the Western Cape experienced 8.4 cars per day. On a more positive note, Fidelity Services CEO Wahl Bartmann mentioned his group noticed that hijacking incidents had dropped slightly during the first quarter of 2023. 1
What are the two main hijacking methods used? Stephen: please clarify the order here as there appears to be 2 instead of 3 H3’s under this H2
Beware of Rogue Police
Bartmann advised that motorists should avoid routes frequented by such police, particularly at night. If the police do stop you, the police executive advises that motorists should turn on their car’s headlights to bright and activate their hazard lights to attract attention. 1
Be Alert to Driveway Hijackings
If you sense someone is following your car to your house, activate the car’s indicator and slow down about three houses before yours. This should force the car to overtake you. Never turn into your driveway, as criminals can cut off your way of escape. 1
Another Hijacking Trend
Unfortunately, in some cases, hijackers kidnap the vehicle’s driver to obtain a ransom or cash from an ATM before releasing. 1
Which Brands Suffer the Most Hijackings?
Fidelity ADT’s latest data indicate that hijackers consider Toyota cars as the most popular, amounting to 31.6% of the group’s cases. Volkswagen comprises 14.1% of incidents, followed by Ford at 10.4%.1
Car Models Hijacked the Most
According to Bartmann, the following cars and their corresponding percentage of hijacking incidents are the VW Polo (8.6%); Toyota Hilux (6.8%); Toyota Etios (4.8%); Ford Ranger (4.9%); Toyota Fortuner (4.6%); and Nissan NP200 (4.2%).1
Hijacker Preferences
Criminals love to hijack the Toyota Prados and Toyota Landcruiser but prefer Toyota Hilux and Toyota Fortuner GD6. Hijackers usually steal these cars for export to neighbouring countries.1
Invest in Anti-hijack Technology
Unique systems allow for real-time tracking to provide real-time alerts for improved safety. When hijacked, for instance, you can press an SOS button on an app that alerts a control centre to give assistance. 1
Disclaimer
This article describes car hijacking in South Africa in 2023. 1
Are your sure your current car cover includes loss of vehicle due to hijacking? If not, contact us at PMD for expert advice while you enjoy our world-class client service. Learn more about our affordable car insurance products with their unique benefits, such as fixed premiums* and reducing excess*. T’s and C’s apply.
To be sure about buying the correct financial services product, consult a certified financial advisor for professional advice.
Source:
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.
Hijack Prevention Guidelines – How can we better protect Ourselves? https://t.co/ciAs4VJr7A #ArriveAlive #Hijacking #CarJacking #Crime pic.twitter.com/l5CHELBGac
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) June 5, 2023
