Recent data has shown that the frequency of hijackings is steadily increasing, with the potential rising even higher as criminals choose to hijack cars rather than steal them.
Santam Client Solutions CEO Atang Matebesi flagged this concern, noting that criminals are more inclined to hijack vehicles than steal them while they sit unattended.
He made this point while commenting on the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) latest quarterly crime statistics, which showed that between January and March 2025, 4,533 hijackings were reported, equating to around 50 vehicles a day.
“Hijacking gives criminals immediate access to the vehicle and its contents without having to bypass modern security features. It’s quick and direct, and unfortunately, often violent,” explained Matebesi.
Tracker’s crime data reinforces this preference and highlights that it appears frequently in high-risk provinces like Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape.
This data revealed that in the Eastern Cape, for instance, the hijackings-to-vehicle-theft ratio is a staggering 8:1 and that hijacking is unquestionably the dominant crime in the area.
Other notable areas include urban centres with high traffic densities, with Midrand, Honeydew, and Roodepoort reporting the highest number of incidents for this year.
Along with this, Matebesi said that the most hijackings occurred on Friday evenings between 16h00 and 21h00.
“We’re not saying people should let their guard down during other times, but it’s worth noting,” he said.
This highlights the need for motorists to take extra caution at the end of the work week during peak traffic hours.
Future improvements
While the current number of hijackings is concerning, the SAPS quarterly crime data statistics also revealed that the number of hijackings for the period was down 15.1% compared to the same period in 2024.
“It’s encouraging to see the numbers trending down, but hijacking and theft are still far too common,” said Matebesi.
“What’s important is that we’re now seeing what works, particularly when it comes to proactive interventions like enhanced tracking systems in high-risk vehicles.”
Based on this data, Matebesi said that using multiple tracking systems is one of the best among deterrents.
He went on to note that vehicles outfitted with two separate tracking devices experience far fewer hijackings and theft losses.
“If one device is tampered with, the second may still be functioning, increasing the chances of recovery,” said Matebesi.
“These underwriting interventions are making a measurable difference. Fitting a dual tracking system doesn’t guarantee that your vehicle won’t be targeted, but it significantly increases the chances of recovery.”
Parking in a secure, well-lit area, especially overnight, can also reduce this risk further.
Along with this, insurance coverage is essential, as protecting yourself against the ripple effects of loss will save you grief in the long run.
It all adds up, from car hire costs and excess payments to debt obligations if the vehicle is financed,” said Matebesi.
This can consist of expenses such as property damage, trauma counselling, or legal expenses, and for those who can’t afford a comprehensive insurance plan, Matebesi suggests investigating alternatives like Third Party, Fire and Theft cover.
These alternatives are more affordable while still covering your car if it’s ever stolen or hijacked.
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