PROJECT: VEHICLE HIJACKING

isabels39
Jul 31
5 min read

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Vehicle hijacking is one of the most persistent and traumatic crimes affecting South Africans daily.

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), over 20,000 vehicle hijackings were reported during the 2023/2024 financial year—equating to one vehicle hijacked approximately every 25 minutes. These attacks are financially devastating and often occur with brutal violence, psychological trauma, and loss of life. The crime is fuelled by well-organised syndicates, cross-border vehicle smuggling operations, and a thriving black-market demand for spare parts and resale.

Understanding the methods used by criminals,
identifying which vehicles are most targeted,
and knowing how to protect yourself can be vital first steps in staying safe and helping to curb this escalating crisis.

MOST HIJACKED VEHICLES IN SOUTH AFRICA - 2025:

Hijackers tend to target vehicles that are in high demand - either for resale, parts, or use in other crimes.
According to crime data from sources such as BusinessTech, ECR, and tracking companies like Tracker and Fidelity ADT, the most hijacked models in 2025 include:
- Toyota Hilux.
- Volkswagen Polo.
- Ford Ranger.
- Toyota Fortuner.
- Toyota Corolla Cross.
- Toyota Corolla.
- Nissan NP200.
- Hyundai i20.
- BMW 3 Series.
- Toyota Etios.
- Toyota RAV4.
- Toyota Prado.
- Toyota Land Cruiser.
Emerging trends also show a growing number of newer models being targeted, especially those from Chinese manufacturers,
including the:
- Haval Jolion,
- Haval H6,
- and Chery Tiggo 4/7 Pro, reflecting their rising popularity in the local market.

WHY THESE VEHICLES ARE TARGETED:

Criminals hijack vehicles for several strategic reasons:
- RESALE AND PARTS:
  - Stolen vehicles are dismantled and sold as parts in the informal market.
  - Others are re-registered with falsified papers and resold.
- CROSS-BORDER SMUGGLING:
  - Vehicles are smuggled into neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, where they fetch higher resale prices.
- USE IN OTHER CRIMES:
  - Hijacked cars are often repurposed for armed robberies, cash-in-transit heists, kidnappings, or drug trafficking.
- TEMPORARY PERSONAL USE:
  - Some hijacked vehicles are used by syndicates or individuals for short-term transport and later abandoned or torched to destroy evidence.

COMMON HIJACKING TACTICS:

Criminals employ increasingly sophisticated methods to trap their victims, often using psychological manipulation, staged accidents, or brute force.
Common tactics include:
- FOLLOW-HOME HIJACKINGS:
  - Victims are trailed from public places to their homes or offices, then ambushed when entering a gate or garage.
- SPIKING ROADS:
  - Criminals place spikes or sharp objects on roads to puncture tyres, forcing motorists to stop and become vulnerable.
- BLUE LIGHT IMPERSONATION:
  - Syndicates impersonate law enforcement using fake uniforms and unmarked vehicles with flashing blue lights to stop and ambush victims.
- ONLINE CLASSIFIED TRAPS:
  - Sellers listing vehicles online are lured into test drives, where they are hijacked mid-sale.
- BUMP-AND-ROB:
  - Criminals intentionally rear-end a vehicle.
  - When the driver exits to assess the damage, they are overpowered.
- WINDOW DISTRACTION:
  - Throwing substances on the windscreen to obscure vision or pointing to “mechanical problems” to get drivers to stop.
"Blue light hijackings", in particular, have become a terrifying trend, especially in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape, with impersonators pretending to be SAPS or Metro Police officers.
Victims who pull over are ambushed, robbed, or abducted.

HIJACKING HOTSPOTS:

Certain provinces and suburbs have become notorious for high hijacking rates.
According to SAPS and insurance reports, the top hotspots in 2025 include:
- GAUTENG (55% OF ALL HIJACKINGS NATIONALLY):
  - Ivory Park
  - Mamelodi East
  - Jabulani
  - Tembisa
  - Pretoria West
- KWAZULU-NATAL:
  - Umlazi
  - Phoenix
  - Inanda
- WESTERN CAPE:
  - Nyanga
  - Khayelitsha
  - Delft
  - Mitchells Plain
These areas often share common traits: high traffic volumes, poor lighting, and predictable commuting patterns, making it easier for hijackers to monitor and intercept targets.

ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT:

INSURANCE PREMIUMS:
- High crime rates lead to increased premiums, placing financial strain on consumers.
BUSINESS COSTS:
- Logistics companies face route disruptions, vehicle replacement costs, and driver safety concerns.
LAW ENFORCEMENT STRAIN:
- The complex nature of hijacking syndicates places massive investigative pressure on SAPS.
COMMUNITY TRAUMA:
- The constant threat of violence erodes public trust and creates a climate of fear and suspicion.

PRACTICAL SAFETY MEASURES:

PERSONAL VIGILANCE:
- Be alert when approaching your driveway, intersections, or stop streets - especially at night.
- Avoid sitting in a stationary vehicle while using your phone.
- Always lock doors and keep windows slightly closed when driving or parked.
STRATEGIC MOVEMENT:
- Avoid driving alone late at night in high-risk areas.
- Vary your routes and travel schedules to reduce predictability.
- When stopped by unknown vehicles with flashing lights, drive to the nearest police station or well-lit public area before pulling over.
VEHICLE SECURITY:
- Install tracking devices and immobilisers.
- Use anti-hijack systems or panic buttons.
- Activate “deadlock” modes if your vehicle has one.
TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT:
- Join neighbourhood watch or community crime groups (e.g., WhatsApp security groups).
- Use dash cams to record road behaviour.
- Notify someone of your travel route and expected arrival time when driving alone.

Hijacking is a crime of opportunity; but it is often planned, coordinated, and executed by experienced syndicates operating across provincial and national borders. In 2025, the reality of vehicle hijackings in South Africa is sobering and urgent.

While law enforcement works to dismantle these syndicates, the power of awareness

and individual vigilance cannot be overstated.

By staying informed, understanding hijacking tactics, recognising hotspot areas, and adopting daily safety measures,

South Africans can protect themselves and their loved ones.

Specialised Security Services invites the public to the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel.

This channel is important in delivering insights into the latest crime trends, awareness, warnings and the exposure of criminals.

How to Join the WhatsApp Channel:

1. Make sure you have the latest version of WhatsApp on your device.

2. Click on the link below to join the Mike Bolhuis Daily Projects WhatsApp Channel:

- https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VarjftF8PgsI4pODE929

3. Follow the prompts to join the channel.

4. Make sure you click on "Follow", then click on the "bell"-icon (🔔)

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Regards,

Mike Bolhuis

Specialist Investigators into

Serious Violent, Serious Economic Crimes & Serious Cybercrimes

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