From really bad to just bad for hijackings in South Africa

Stats SA has published the latest Victims of Crime (VoC) survey, showing that the number of hijacking incidents has declined substantially over the past year, but the stats are still unacceptably high.

South Africa’s official crime statistics are based on incidents or crimes reported at police stations and crimes discovered by the police.

This means the data can only reflect the crimes that go through the official process, leaving many crimes unaccounted for.

The VoC Survey, on the other hand, looks at crimes through the victim’s experience, including the significant number of crimes that go unreported in South Africa.

This means that the VoC generally shows that South Africa’s crime statistics are likely far worse than what the Police Department (will eventually) report, with high levels of unreported crimes in the country.

The survey tracks the experience of crime by both households and individuals, including changes over 12-month and five-year periods.

Unsurprisingly, the report noted that the experience of violent crime and damage to property has shot up over the past 12 months, nearly doubling the case of assault and rising almost 38% in the case of murder.

This included the theft of motor vehicles, which worsened by 19.2% from 73,000 cases in 2022/23 to 87,000 in 2023/24.

This equates to a whopping 238 vehicles being stolen per day.

Surprisingly, the number of hijackings has declined by double-digits, decreasing by 28.9%.

However, this decline is from 114,000 incidents to 81,000, meaning the number of hijackings per day decreased from 312 to 222, which is still alarmingly high.

According to the Victims of Crime (VoC) survey, the key difference between hijacking and motor vehicle theft lies in the manner in which the crime occurs.

Hijacking refers to the unlawful seizure of a motor vehicle while the owner or driver is present.

It often involves the use of force or the threat of violence, as the perpetrator takes control of the vehicle from the victim.

Motor vehicle theft, on the other hand, occurs when a vehicle is stolen without the owner or driver present.

The theft happens in the absence of direct confrontation, typically when the vehicle is parked and unattended.

In 2024, hijackings in South Africa continue, with Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape identified as the most affected provinces.

According to data from Tracker South Africa, hijacking accounts for 55% of all vehicle crimes, with theft making up the remaining 45%.

Tracker also noted emerging hotspots, including shopping malls, schools, freeway on-ramps, and sporting events.

This spike in crime is linked to the demand for specific vehicles, particularly Toyota and Volkswagen models, which are targeted for their popularity in neighbouring countries.

Eldorado Park, Ivory Park, and Moroka in Gauteng remain high-risk areas for hijackings, with many incidents occurring as victims pull into their driveways.

In KwaZulu-Natal, Mariannhill and Umlazi are noted hotspots, while the Western Cape’s Delft, Nyanga, and Philippi East have seen increased activity.

Fridays between 15:00 and 22:00 are identified as the most dangerous time for hijackings, while vehicle theft is more likely to occur on Saturdays.

With hijacking trends on the rise, South Africans are urged to remain vigilant, especially in crowded spaces where criminals can easily access vehicles.

Read: Hijackers are targeting 3 discontinued cars in South Africa