The syndicate has been active in areas including the West Rand, Johannesburg, the East Rand, and Johannesburg South. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the group, intelligence led its operational teams to the East Rand on 22 September, where suspects in a grey Haval Jolion were seen scouting for over an hour before finally stealing a white Corolla Cross outside Kempton Park Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blue Hawk Tactical said its teams had anticipated such a move and positioned themselves strategically at exit points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stolen Corolla Cross was later abandoned and recovered, while the Haval Jolion used as the pilot vehicle was intercepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Three suspects, including a woman who intelligence had previously identified as a driver of stolen vehicles, were arrested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is not an isolated case. The Corolla Cross has been climbing the list of most targeted cars in the country since late 2024, when Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Group, first raised the alarm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bartmann explained that hijackers tend to focus on popular and inconspicuous models. Vehicles like the Corolla Cross, particularly in common colours such as white and silver, blend into South African traffic, making them easy to move without drawing attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once stolen, these cars are either stripped for parts or illegally re-registered and resold. The model\u2019s soaring popularity has only added to the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched in 2021, the Corolla Cross quickly established itself as one of South Africa\u2019s best-selling vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By 2024 it ranked as the fourth most popular car sold nationwide, and in 2025 it has surged to second place, just behind the Toyota Hilux. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In August alone, 2,743 units were sold<\/a>, highlighting the demand that is also fuelling its attraction for criminals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Security experts, including Bartmann, have warned that hijackings are driven largely by supply-and-demand economics. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cars from Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford remain favourites for hijackers because their parts are widely needed and easy to sell on the black market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Corolla Cross now belongs to this high-risk group. Anti-theft specialists Ghost South Africa have also highlighted<\/a> it as one of the country’s most targeted vehicles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While some vehicles are more vulnerable than others, experts have stressed that no car is entirely safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The broader picture shows that carjackings remain a deeply entrenched problem in South Africa. Although official police data indicates a year-on-year decline in incidents, the numbers are still staggering. <\/p>\n\n\n\nNo car is entirely safe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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