Hijackings in South Africa: Persistent Challenge Involving Passenger Vehicles and Logistic Transport

South Africa continues to face significant levels of vehicle hijackings, encompassing both standard passenger and light vehicle incidents as well as those targeting logistic and commercial transport. Official data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) provides consistent tracking of these crimes across reporting quarters.

In the second quarter of 2024/2025 (July-September 2024), SAPS recorded 5,447 car hijacking incidents, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 9.4% (562 fewer incidents) compared to the same period the previous year. This equates to approximately 60 hijackings per day nationwide.29 Other quarterly figures show 4,533 hijackings in one three-month period (about 50 per day), 4,778 in another recent period (around 50 daily), and 4,420 between October and December 2025 (around 48 per day).

Gauteng province accounts for the largest share, recording 5,163 hijackings over six months in 2024 (48% of the national total). The Western Cape reported 1,613 carjackings and KwaZulu-Natal 1,512 in the same timeframe. Year-on-year increases occurred in the Eastern Cape (30%) and Western Cape (17%) in certain quarters.

Stats SA data indicates that 287,000 individuals experienced hijacking over a five-year period, with a 2.5% increase from the prior year in one survey. Approximately 23% of incidents may go unreported. Public experience surveys noted a 25.9% increase in hijackings between 2024 and 2025.

Most Targeted Vehicles in Passenger and Light Vehicle Hijackings

Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes represented 44.4% of hijackings in one Q4 2024/2025 period. Bakkies and panel vans accounted for 33.1% (1,503 incidents), while SUVs and station wagons made up 7.5% (341 incidents, up 4.6% quarter-on-quarter).

Commonly targeted models in 2025 data include the Toyota Hilux (noted for durability and resale value), Volkswagen Polo Vivo (common and easy to strip/resell), Toyota Fortuner, Ford Ranger, and Hyundai H100. Other reports highlight Toyota Hilux as the leader, followed by models like Ford Ranger and Toyota Corolla Cross due to parts demand and black market value. Business-owned vehicles are 48% more likely to be targeted than personal ones.

Tracker statistics for July-December 2024 show hijackings comprising 56% of vehicle crime incidents nationally (theft at 44%). For business vehicles, hijackings dominate, especially in Gauteng (over half), Western Cape (four times more likely than theft), and Eastern Cape (eight times). Personal vehicles show more balanced splits in some regions but higher hijacking ratios in others.

Logistic Transport and Truck Hijackings

Truck hijackings form a distinct and severe subset, often linked to cargo theft by organized syndicates. In FY 2023, South Africa recorded just under 2,000 truck hijackings, higher than the previous year and more than double the 821 recorded in FY 2012. Earlier figures include 1,202 in one annual period and around 420 trucks in the second quarter of 2025 alone.

Industry estimates place truck hijackings at 30-35 per week. Gauteng accounts for about 70% of these incidents. Black trucks face a reported 70% higher risk than white ones in some analyses, though the reason remains unclear.

Key corridors include the N3 Durban-Johannesburg highway, N4, and N12. Cross-border routes and areas near ports like Durban see elevated activity. Hijackings of vehicles in transit represent the primary cargo theft method, with theft from facilities also rising. Food, beverage, and medical supplies have been noted in some periods.

These incidents frequently involve armed ambushes, GPS jamming, and violence against drivers. They impact supply chains, raise insurance premiums, and contribute to economic losses estimated in prior years at significant billions for the sector.

Hotspots and Patterns

Gauteng remains the primary hub, with hotspots in Johannesburg and Pretoria areas such as Kelvin Street & CR Swart, Pretoria Road & CR Swart, Elgin Road & Pretoria Road, Linksfield Road/N3 off-ramp, Rivonia off-ramp, Beyers Naudé/N1, Booysens Road/M1, Nelson Mandela Bridge, Harrow & Saratoga, Alexandra, Honeydew, Cleveland, Sandringham, Lotus Gardens, Soweto, Ennerdale, Rosebank, Johannesburg Central, Tembisa, Springs, and Brakpan.

In the Western Cape: Nyanga, Khayelitsha, Delft, Gugulethu, Philippi East, Harare, Mitchells Plain. KwaZulu-Natal: Umlazi, Inanda, KwaMashu, Pinetown, Bellair-Clairwood corridor. Mpumalanga has emerged as a growing area.

Incidents often occur in townships, residential areas, and during stop-and-go traffic or congestion. Patterns show shifts toward more weekday and earlier-day activity in some reports. Hijackings frequently overlap with other crimes, including kidnappings during vehicle takeovers.

Broader Context

Vehicle crime, including hijackings, is driven by organized syndicates involved in stripping for parts, resale, or cross-border smuggling. Declines in certain quarters (e.g., 15.1% or 27.3% in specific periods like November-December) are noted, sometimes linked to festive seasons, but levels remain high with expected rebounds. SAPS and private security responses continue, including recoveries and arrests.

These facts derive from SAPS crime statistics, Tracker, Fidelity Services Group, Cartrack, Stats SA, and industry reports up to early 2026. Hijackings of both normal vehicles and logistic transport persist as a documented national issue affecting public safety and economic activity.

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OTHER NEWS

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Driver Killed in Suspected Targeted Shooting in Oakford, KZN

A 33-year-old man was shot and killed in what is believed to have been a targeted assassination in Oakford, north of Durban, on Friday afternoon.

Emergency assistance was requested after residents reported hearing multiple gunshots and witnessing a lone gunman opening fire on the driver of a blue Toyota Corolla parked in the area.

Members of Reaction Unit South Africa responded to the scene after receiving several distress calls from the public. On arrival, officers discovered the victim slumped across the front seats of the vehicle.

The man had sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his upper body and face. He was declared dead at the scene after showing no signs of life.

According to witness accounts gathered at the scene, the suspect allegedly arrived in a silver Volkswagen T-Cross before approaching the vehicle occupied by the victim. Residents stated that the gunman, described as an Indian male, was armed with what appeared to be an AK-47 assault rifle.

Witnesses reported that the suspect fired numerous shots at close range before fleeing the area in the same vehicle.

Several high-calibre spent rifle cartridges were later recovered from the scene as investigators began processing evidence.

Residents informed responding officers that the deceased reportedly lived nearby. Community members alleged that the man was involved in informal trading activities in the area, although the exact nature of his business dealings has not been officially confirmed.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending formal notification of family members.

At this stage, the motive for the killing remains unknown. Investigators are expected to examine whether the murder was linked to personal disputes, business dealings, organised criminal activity, or other possible motives.

The shooting caused significant concern among residents, with many gathering near the scene shortly after the incident occurred. Police are expected to review witness statements and any available surveillance footage from surrounding properties as part of the ongoing investigation.

No arrests had been reported at the time of publication, and the suspects remain at large.

An investigation into the murder is continuing.

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Seventh Biker Killed in Pietermaritzburg Following Fatal Mbubu Road Collision

A motorcyclist has died following another serious collision on Mbubu Road in Pietermaritzburg, marking the second fatal motorcycle crash reported in the city within days and raising renewed concerns over rider safety on local roads.

Emergency services, including KZN Private Ambulance and the Motorcycle Safety Institute – Africa, responded to the scene after reports of a severe collision involving a motorcycle on Friday. Paramedics arrived to find the rider had sustained catastrophic injuries in the crash. Despite emergency efforts at the scene, the motorcyclist succumbed to the injuries sustained.  

According to information released by emergency responders, the incident occurred on Mbubu Road in Pietermaritzburg. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision have not yet been confirmed and authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the crash. It remains unclear whether another vehicle was involved.  

The latest incident comes less than a week after another fatal motorcycle collision in Pietermaritzburg, highlighting an ongoing pattern of deadly crashes involving bikers in the area. Reports linked to the latest collision indicated that this was the seventh motorcycle fatality recorded in Pietermaritzburg in recent months.  

Emergency personnel secured the scene while law enforcement officials began preliminary investigations. Traffic disruptions were reported in the area as authorities worked to clear the roadway and document the incident. No further details regarding the deceased rider have been released pending notification of next of kin.  

Motorcycle safety organisations have repeatedly warned about the vulnerability of riders on busy urban roads, particularly in high-traffic areas and during periods of reduced visibility. Road safety authorities continue to urge both motorists and motorcyclists to remain vigilant, obey speed regulations and maintain safe following distances in an effort to reduce collisions involving two-wheeled vehicles.  

Police investigations into the fatal collision are ongoing.