PROJECT: HOW PROPERTY OWNERS CAN PREVENT BUILDING/PROPERTY HIJACKINGS (PART 3)
- Isabel Spies
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
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Building hijackings in South Africa have evolved into a highly organised, adaptive criminal enterprise.
Prevention requires more than basic security; it demands legal vigilance, active management, intelligence-led security, and rapid response. The same principles apply to inner-city buildings and high-value suburban homes, although tactics differ.
1. MAINTAIN CONSTANT VISIBILITY AND CONTROL:
Criminal syndicates target properties that appear unmanaged or unmonitored.
Ensure continuous occupation or verified caretaker presence.
Avoid long-term vacancies without oversight.
Conduct frequent physical inspections, including evenings and weekends.
Maintain clear signage showing ownership, management authority, and emergency contacts.
In estates and complexes, ensure body corporate rules are actively enforced.
A visible, controlled property is far less likely to be targeted.
2. ELIMINATE LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE VULNERABILITIES:
Legal ambiguity creates opportunity for hijackers.
Keep title deeds, municipal accounts, insurance, and compliance certificates current.
Resolve deceased estates, liquidation matters, and ownership disputes without delay.
Register all leases formally and retain signed originals.
Ensure tenants’ identity documents, proof of income, and references are verified.
Avoid informal rental arrangements or verbal agreements.
Criminals exploit paperwork gaps to delay eviction and assert false rights.
3. HARDEN PHYSICAL SECURITY AND ACCESS CONTROL:
Security must be layered and tamper-resistant.
Install high-grade locks, reinforced doors, and secure perimeter fencing.
Secure secondary access points such as rooftops, garages, fire escapes, and servant quarters.
Use CCTV with remote access and recording, supported by visible deterrent signage.
Implement alarm systems linked to armed response, even for vacant homes.
Ensure adequate lighting around entrances and boundaries.
Hijackers avoid properties that require force, time, or visibility to breach.
4. CONTROL UTILITIES AND INFRASTRUCTURE:
Utility access enables illegal occupation.
Secure and lock electricity meters, distribution boards, and water points.
Monitor consumption for unexplained spikes or tampering.
Immediately report illegal reconnections to service providers.
Conduct periodic inspections with qualified professionals.
Unregulated utilities are a key indicator of hijacking activity.
5. STRICT TENANT AND OCCUPANT VETTING:
In suburban areas, hijackings often begin with deception rather than force.
Conduct full background, credit, and reference checks on tenants.
Prohibit subletting without written owner consent.
Monitor for overcrowding or unauthorised alterations.
Act immediately on lease breaches—do not tolerate arrears or irregularities.
Early enforcement prevents criminal entrenchment.
6. SECURE VACANT AND TRANSITIONAL PROPERTIES:
Properties in transition are at highest risk.
Use professional property guardianship services where applicable.
Install temporary security measures during renovations or resale periods.
Ensure estate agents and contractors are vetted and accountable.
Maintain insurance coverage specifically addressing vacancy risks.
Vacant does not mean unprotected.
7. ENGAGE INTELLIGENCE-LED SECURITY SERVICES:
Organised crime requires professional countermeasures.
Conduct formal risk assessments for high-value or multi-unit properties.
Use private security with experience in urban crime, syndicate activity, and property hijackings.
Establish rapid escalation protocols for intimidation, document fraud, or forced entry.
Maintain direct liaison with SAPS, metro police, and municipal enforcement units.
Intelligence and speed are decisive.
8. ACT IMMEDIATELY AT THE FIRST WARNING SIGNS:
Delay benefits hijackers.
Treat unauthorised occupation, document fraud, or intimidation as criminal matters.
Do not negotiate with illegal occupants or syndicate representatives.
Seek immediate legal intervention and court orders.
Document all incidents with photographs, video, and sworn statements.
Once entrenched, removal becomes costly and dangerous.
9. STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY AND ESTATE AWARENESS:
Local vigilance remains a powerful deterrent.
Build relationships with neighbours, estate managers, and security patrols.
Encourage reporting of suspicious behaviour.
Participate in community policing forums.
Share intelligence on hijacking trends and known tactics.
Syndicates rely on silence and delayed reaction.
10. PROTECT YOURSELF AND WHISTLEBLOWERS:
Speaking out can carry risk.
Avoid confronting suspected syndicate members directly.
Use professional intermediaries and legal channels.
Ensure personal and family security where threats emerge.
Report corruption or intimidation through protected mechanisms.
Personal safety must remain paramount.
11. KEY EARLY WARNING INDICATORS:
Property owners should treat the following as high-risk signals:
Unauthorised lock changes or access denial.
Sudden appearance of private “security” not appointed by the owner.
Cash rent collection by unknown individuals.
Forged lease documents or power of attorney claims.
Illegal utility connections.
Rapid overcrowding or internal subdivision.
Building hijackings are no longer confined to inner cities.
They now affect affluent suburbs, estates, and high-value residential properties.
Prevention depends on constant oversight, legal clarity, hardened security, intelligence, and swift action.
No property is immune, but proactive owners significantly reduce their risk exposure.
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