A recent report compiled by MotorHappy indicates that incidents of vehicle hijacking in the Free State are increasing. Approximately 152 cases have been reported in the province thus far this year, and apparently this translates to 1,3 % of all carjackings in South Africa.
The findings are also based on information of reports compiled by the SAPS.
The report revealed that the province has seen a significant 19% year-on-year increase in hijacking incidents.
Even though hijacking hotspots are not listed, though its generally known that syndicates target big towns and cities.
As far as vehicle crime in general is concerned, Bloemfontein has been flagged as a hotspot, followed by Sasolburg.
According to reports, the network of vehicle hijacking syndicates operates mainly in three provinces: Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
The Fidelity ADT private security company has reported a rise in hijackings within its operational areas in 2024, compared to both the same period in 2023 and the latter half of 2022.
Half of incidents are concentrated in Gauteng, with the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal each accounting for around 14% of incidents countrywide.
More specifically, syndicates reportedly tend to target business vehicles.
According to vehicle crime report, in the Eastern Cape, 10% of hijackings contribute to the nation’s total figures, particularly concerning business-owned vehicles. These vehicles have to contend with high risk due to the valuable goods often being transported.
Furthermore, syndicates seem to target key routes, like the N2 corridor toward Gqeberha.
Several factors drive increase
Top Auto and Business Tech reports that the increase in hijackings is attributed to several factors:
- Economic conditions: Financial pressures and inflation drive criminals to take risks to make quick money.
- Easy getaway options: Accessible areas make it easier for the criminal to escape capture without much effort.
- Models high in resale value: Popular vehicles that meet the financial and practical needs of the criminal in question become valuable targets.
- Organised crime channels and tactics: The more organised the group, the savvier they become, allowing them to exchange and create new ways of luring victims into one of their traps.
Most hijacked vehicles identified
The most commonly hijacked vehicles in South Africa are listed as follows:
1. Ford Ranger
2. Hyundai i20
3. Nissan Almera
4. Nissan NP200
5. Toyota Corolla Cross
6. Toyota Corolla
7. Toyota Etios
8. Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D)
9. Toyota Hilux (GD6 and D4D)
10. Toyota Prado
11. Toyota Land Cruiser
12. Toyota RAV 4
13. VW Polo
It stated that the Nissan Almera, Nissan NP200 and Toyota Etios, being discontinued models, remain targets. These vehicles are among the most popular on South African roads and in other parts of Africa.
