Hijacking is listed among the concerning crimes this year in South Africa by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu.
According to the South African Police Services (SAPS) crime statistics for the fourth quarter of 2023/24 and the first quarter of 2024/25, approximately 65 vehicles are hijacked daily.
Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces have seen the most increase in hijacking, with sedans, hatchbacks and coupes being the most hijacked vehicles.
Fortunately, Cartrack is dedicated to providing world-class vehicle security, emphasised by its leading audited vehicle recovery rate in high crime environments such as South Africa.
In this article, we’ll give you the latest hijacking insights in South Africa, so you can be more vigilant and prepared on the roads.
It’s important to understand the psychology of criminals and to know that very often, crimes are not coincidental. The execution of crime events often involves thorough planning and organised criminal tactics, which can catch potential victims off-guard, increasing their likelihood of being hijacked.
Here are some points to note, so you can be more prepared and understand perpetrator’s minds a bit better:
In addition, it’s also important to note that hijackers operate in groups of two to five, where they sometimes impersonate police or traffic officers, and can often be seen driving big luxury vehicles.
According to Auto Trader, the colour of your vehicle does not affect the likelihood of it being stolen. White cars are easy to be at the forefront of the statistics since they account for nearly half of all vehicles sold in South Africa. Silver is the second-most popular colour.
Hijackers are also becoming increasingly desperate to fulfil their supply and demand obligations, so they are willing to take more significant risks to get the vehicles they want.
Arrive Alive found that hijackings happen every day, however, the prime times when hijackings are more likely are:
According to SAPS, carjackings are most prevalent in South Africa’s most populous regions, such as Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal, and the Western Cape.
Do you know what the hijacking rate in South Africa is?
According to SAPS, for the recent quarter(Q1 2024/25), two provinces experienced a notable year-on-year increase in hijackings. Eastern Cape (30%) and the western Cape (17%).
However, over the six months in 2024, Gauteng saw 5,163 hijackings, representing 48% of all carjackings. The Western Cape experienced 1,613 carjackings and Kwa-Zulu Natal saw 1,512.
Stats SA has found that 287,000 individuals experienced hijacking in the past five years. Hijacking has increased by 2.5% from the previous year.
Furthermore, around 222,000 households experienced theft of motor vehicles in the past five years with a 6% increase from the previous year.
In the past six months (March-August 2024), Cartrack, a global leader in stolen vehicle recovery, recovered more than 10,400 vehicles. 460 suspects were arrested, 53 firearms were found and 62 jammers were confiscated.
Where do most hijackings take place in South Africa?
SAPS quarterly stats reveal that the top 10 areas that experience hijackings are spread between two provinces namely, Gauteng and the Western Cape:
We encourage you to be alert for new tactics or techniques used by criminals to hijack victims.
In fact, the SAPS have highlighted a disturbing new trend in hijacking cases, with a growing number of incidents also involving kidnappings as part of the crime.
Here are some other trends and methods to be aware of, so you can be more prepared and protected:
Unfortunately, hijackings are a reality, but there are certain measures we can take to protect ourselves. Remember, it’s important to check that you are not being followed, and you should always be extra vigilant when leaving malls, the office, or when heading home late at night - that is when most follow-homes take place.
Also make sure that you keep emergency numbers on hand such as your security provider, SAPS, and neighbours, if you suspect that you are being followed.
Find out more ways to protect yourself against being a hijacking victim.
We hope that you never find yourself in a hijacking situation, but it’s important to remember to remain calm and do exactly as told by the hijacker and not make any sudden movements.
Your life matters more than your vehicle.
If you ever find yourself in a hijacking situation, Cartrack is a leader in stolen vehicle recovery, with an above 90% stolen vehicle recovery rate. Our highly trained air and on-the-ground recovery team, and 24-hour emergency response team, will do everything possible to recover your vehicle and give you emergency assistance.
We also have Value Added Services, for even more additional safety, such as Cartrack’s Protector - an emergency service, accessed via the Cartrack app 24/7, which you can use in the event of a breakdown, medical situation or if legal advice is needed for a motor-related query.
And there’s also CarWatch, which keeps a digital eye on your car and will send you an alert if it moves or is started without your permission.
Sounds like ultimate safety, right?
Visit Cartrack today, to get a vehicle tracking device installed and learn more about how we can keep you and your vehicle safe 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
Q: Where do most hijackings take place in South Africa?
A: Gauteng remains the top province with reported hijacked cases, however, the South African Police Services (SAPS) have noticed that the Eastern Cape and Western Cape provinces have seen the most increase in hijacking for the fourth quarter of 2023/24 and the first quarter of 2024/25.
Q: Which types of vehicles are hijacked the most in South Africa?
A: According to SAPS, sedans, hatchbacks and coupes are the most hijacked vehicles in the country currently, followed by bakkies and panel vans.
Q: What do I do if I am hijacked?
A: Remember always to do exactly as the hijacker tells you. Do not attempt to challenge the hijacker or lose your temper. Try to remain calm at all times and do not show any signs of aggression.
Find out more on how you can protect yourself during a hijacking.
Stay safe on South Africa's roads. Cartrack provides the latest insights on hijackings to keep you and your vehicle protected. Be vigilant with our help.
