South Africa’s car crime scene just got a lot darker. Hijackers, emboldened and organized, are shifting their sights to business-owned vehicles. Forget the typical smash-and-grab or a Toyota Polo nabbed in the dead of night—these pros are after bigger prizes, and business fleets are paying the price
Hijacking by the numbers: Businesses are in the crosshairs
According to data from Tracker South Africa (Jan–June 2024), hijacking now accounts for a staggering 54% of all vehicle crimes, with the rest being theft. But here’s the twist: if you’re running a fleet for your business, your vehicles are sitting ducks. Organized syndicates are laser-focused on these high-value targets, and the stats don’t lie:
In the Eastern Cape, business vehicles are nine times more likely to be hijacked than stolen. In the Western Cape, they’re four times more likely to be hijacked. These vehicles don’t just transport goods, they carry goldmines for criminals. Trucks, courier vans, and delivery vehicles are lucrative jackpots, filled with cargo that can be flipped for profit.
The Freight Industry: A crisis on wheels
Hijackings in the road freight industry have surged, thanks to what some are calling “mafia-style” tactics. The Road Freight Association (RFA) revealed a chilling stat: 65 hijackings per day were reported in June 2024 alone, up from less than 20 a day just two years ago.
Courier companies are hemorrhaging money on armed escorts and high-tech security, but even that’s a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The rising cost of protecting their fleets is eating into profits, forcing some businesses to ask a tough question: “How much longer can we survive this?”
Private Vehicle Owners: You’re Not Off the Hook
While businesses are the flavor of the year for criminals, private vehicles are still very much in play. If you own a Toyota Hilux, VW Polo, or Ford Ranger, you might as well slap a target on your back. These models are in demand both locally and across borders, making them prime pickings.
Hijacking hotspots include:
- Gauteng: Eldorado Park, Ivory Park, Moroka
- KwaZulu-Natal: Mariannhill, Umlazi
- Western Cape: Delft, Nyanga, Philippi East
And if you’re out on a Friday evening, particularly between 3 PM and 10 PM? Good luck. That’s when most hijackings go down.
The Fallout: Businesses are bleeding
This hijacking spree isn’t just about stolen wheels—it’s gutting the logistics industry. Armed escorts, vehicle tracking systems, and other preventative measures are burning through profits. For some smaller courier companies, the cost of staying in business is beginning to outweigh the reward.
The Game Plan: Fighting Back
South Africa needs more than a Band-Aid fix for this growing epidemic. Whether you’re a business owner, a driver, or just someone who wants to make it home safely, here’s what you can do:
- Upgrade Your Tech: GPS tracking and real-time alerts aren’t just nice-to-haves anymore—they’re survival tools
- Train Your Drivers: Spotting a hijack setup is a skill every driver should have
- Team Up: Businesses should share intel with law enforcement and industry bodies to disrupt syndicate operations.
- Stay Alert: Know the hotspots, times, and trends. Knowledge is power, and it might just save your car—or your life.
Final Thoughts
South Africa’s vehicle crime problem is no longer just a statistic. It’s an escalating crisis that’s reshaping how businesses and individuals approach security. Whether you’re behind the wheel of a courier van or cruising in your Toyota, staying vigilant isn’t optional—it’s survival.
Don’t wait for the unexpected to strike. Protect your business and personal vehicles from rising hijackings with comprehensive car insurance. Partner with us today to secure the right insurance, investment, and risk management solutions tailored to your needs. Contact us now and take control of your business’s financial future!