As many as 66 cars are hijacked in South Africa every day, representing a 34% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
While any car is fair game for the nation’s criminals, new data from the South African Police Services (SAPS), insurance groups, and private security companies revealed that there are 13 different models that are more likely to be targeted than others – eight of which are from one brand.
Most common targets
Toyota is the most high-risk vehicle brand in South Africa, as eight of its bakkies, SUVs, sedans, and hatchbacks are a common pick for hijackers.
This is not surprising given that the Japanese firm is the largest automaker in the country, and the “business” of stolen cars is largely driven by supply and demand, according to Fidelity Services Group.
“Hijackers target specific vehicles for a specific purpose and market. The demand for Toyotas, VWs, Fords, and Nissans remains high on the black market,” it said.
Furthermore, Tracker and Naked Insurance have warned that thieves prefer to go for vehicles better suited for South Africa’s roads, which is why bakkies, SUVs, and 4x4s are often singled out.
Brands like Toyota are also fixated on because of their popularity across the African continent, rendering its models a prime candidate to be stripped for parts to be sold on the black market.
With all that in mind, these were the 13 most hijacked cars in South Africa in the first half of 2024, according to Fidelity:
- BMW 3 Series
- Ford Ranger
- Hyundai i20
- Nissan NP200
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Etios
- Toyota Fortuner
- Toyota Hilux
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota RAV4
- VW Polo
It should be noted that while some models such as the Toyota Hilux and Fortuner have been a common target for years, other entries are new to the list.
Criminals have shown a growing interest in the Corolla Cross and Rav4 in 2024, as these vehicles have rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years, with the Cross in particular now being one of the best-selling cars in South Africa.
Models like the BMW 3 Series and VW Polo are local favourites, and interest in the Nissan NP200 has likely been spurred by the fact that it was discontinued earlier this year, leaving a gap in the market for affordable compact bakkies that criminals are keen to take advantage of.
In cases where a vehicle is sold in both sedan and hatchback body types, such as with the VW Polo and Toyota Corolla, criminals seem to prefer the hatchback, which may be due to the body’s greater popularity.
Fidelity warned that approximately 30% of all stolen and hijacked vehicles in South Africa in 2023 were taken across the border into neighbouring countries.
This was corroborated by a recent finding from the SAPS, which discovered a hijacking syndicate’s hideout in Johannesburg.
Stolen BMW 3 Series found at a hijacker’s hideout.
Inside the hideout were four stolen vehicles, including a BMW 3 Series, a Land Rover Discovery, an Isuzu D-Max, and a Toyota Fortuner.
The models were destined for smuggling to eSwatini, as the hideout contained number plates, registration documents, and homemade VIN stencils all intended for use in the small kingdom.
Another emerging trend among hijackers is to go after light commercial vehicles such as delivery vans used by popular retail services.
In these cases, the cargo in transit is often considered more valuable than the vehicle itself, escalating the risk of hijackings.
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