South Africa’s latest crime data for the past two reporting quarters paints a familiar but troubling picture: vehicle hijackings remain persistently high, with no meaningful decline in key hotspots or in the overall national trend.
While law enforcement and tracking data show shifting tactics and evolving targets, the core pattern remains unchanged. Hijacking continues to be driven less by luxury demand and more by the market value of everyday vehicles and their parts.
Everyday cars, not luxury vehicles, remain prime targets
Analysts note that the most frequently targeted vehicles are still the country’s best-selling models. These are not necessarily high-end cars, but those with strong resale value and a thriving second-hand parts market.
The Toyota Hilux remains one of the most consistently targeted vehicles nationwide, largely due to demand for its engines and components across borders and in informal repair networks.
The Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo also continue to feature heavily in hijacking reports, reflecting their dominance on South African roads.
More recent data points to a growing focus on models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Corolla Cross, both of which have seen strong sales growth and, in turn, rising black-market demand for parts.
Other vehicles increasingly appearing in hijacking trends include the Kia Picanto, Isuzu D-Max and Suzuki Ertiga, the latter linked in some reports to ride-hailing use patterns.
In addition, the Nissan NP200 has become more vulnerable following its discontinuation, with scarcity of legitimate parts pushing demand into illicit channels.
Security specialists say the logic behind these trends is simple: criminals prioritise “liquid” vehicles - those that are easy to strip and resell quickly through established networks.
Persistent danger zones remain unchanged
Geographically, hijacking hotspots have also remained largely consistent.
In Gauteng, areas such as Mamelodi East, Alexandra and Ivory Park continue to report high volumes, while Honeydew and Midrand are often associated with so-called “follow-home” incidents targeting commuters.
In the Western Cape, Delft, Nyanga and Lingelethu West remain major problem areas. The N2 corridor leading toward Cape Town International Airport - particularly the stretch between Somerset West and the city - continues to carry a reputation among motorists for elevated risk, especially after dark. The R300 is also frequently flagged in safety discussions due to recurring incidents in heavy traffic conditions.
KwaZulu-Natal sees similar patterns, with Umlazi, Inanda and parts of Durban Central repeatedly identified as higher-risk zones, particularly during congestion at major intersections.
Criminal tactics adapt to traffic and time
Recent analysis suggests that hijacking methods are becoming more situational, often depending on traffic flow and time of day.
During peak congestion hours, typically late afternoon, offenders often take advantage of slow-moving traffic to box in vehicles, limiting escape options. Minor collision setups have also been reported, where drivers are encouraged to exit their vehicles in unsafe conditions.
Outside of peak traffic, other opportunistic methods have been noted in various crime reports, including attempts to force vehicles to stop on isolated stretches of road or exploiting driver confusion in poorly lit areas. Authorities consistently advise motorists to avoid unnecessary stops in unsafe locations and to prioritise reaching secure, populated areas when something feels wrong.
There are also ongoing warnings about impersonation cases involving fake traffic officials or security personnel, where criminals attempt to pull vehicles over under false pretences.
Expert advice: vigilance is the strongest defence
According to MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, motorists often underestimate their exposure to risk.
“The most important thing to understand is that no person, vehicle or area is immune to carjacking risk,” Herbert said. “Complacency is one of the biggest vulnerabilities drivers have.”
He stressed that awareness and defensive driving habits remain essential, especially for those commuting through known high-risk areas or during busy travel periods.
Practical recommendations from road safety specialists include maintaining safe following distances, staying alert at intersections and in slow-moving traffic, and keeping doors locked with windows closed when conditions feel uncertain. Where possible, drivers are also encouraged to position themselves in lanes that allow for easier manoeuvring and escape options.
Hijacking risk is generally understood to peak during late afternoon and early evening travel periods, when traffic density and reduced visibility create favourable conditions for criminals.
A continuing national challenge
Despite increased awareness campaigns, improved vehicle tracking technology and ongoing policing efforts, vehicle hijacking remains a deeply entrenched issue shaped by economics, opportunity and organised criminal networks.
For motorists, the message from analysts and law enforcement remains consistent: risk is not limited to specific cars or specific areas, and routine journeys can quickly become vulnerable without warning.
While law enforcement and tracking data show shifting tactics and evolving targets, the core pattern remains unchanged. Hijacking continues to be driven less by luxury demand and more by the market value of everyday vehicles and their parts.
Everyday cars, not luxury vehicles, remain prime targets
Analysts note that the most frequently targeted vehicles are still the country’s best-selling models. These are not necessarily high-end cars, but those with strong resale value and a thriving second-hand parts market.
The Toyota Hilux remains one of the most consistently targeted vehicles nationwide, largely due to demand for its engines and components across borders and in informal repair networks.
The Volkswagen Polo and Polo Vivo also continue to feature heavily in hijacking reports, reflecting their dominance on South African roads.
More recent data points to a growing focus on models such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Corolla Cross, both of which have seen strong sales growth and, in turn, rising black-market demand for parts.
Other vehicles increasingly appearing in hijacking trends include the Kia Picanto, Isuzu D-Max and Suzuki Ertiga, the latter linked in some reports to ride-hailing use patterns.
In addition, the Nissan NP200 has become more vulnerable following its discontinuation, with scarcity of legitimate parts pushing demand into illicit channels.
Security specialists say the logic behind these trends is simple: criminals prioritise “liquid” vehicles - those that are easy to strip and resell quickly through established networks.
Persistent danger zones remain unchanged
Geographically, hijacking hotspots have also remained largely consistent.
In Gauteng, areas such as Mamelodi East, Alexandra and Ivory Park continue to report high volumes, while Honeydew and Midrand are often associated with so-called “follow-home” incidents targeting commuters.
In the Western Cape, Delft, Nyanga and Lingelethu West remain major problem areas. The N2 corridor leading toward Cape Town International Airport - particularly the stretch between Somerset West and the city - continues to carry a reputation among motorists for elevated risk, especially after dark. The R300 is also frequently flagged in safety discussions due to recurring incidents in heavy traffic conditions.
KwaZulu-Natal sees similar patterns, with Umlazi, Inanda and parts of Durban Central repeatedly identified as higher-risk zones, particularly during congestion at major intersections.
Criminal tactics adapt to traffic and time
Recent analysis suggests that hijacking methods are becoming more situational, often depending on traffic flow and time of day.
During peak congestion hours, typically late afternoon, offenders often take advantage of slow-moving traffic to box in vehicles, limiting escape options. Minor collision setups have also been reported, where drivers are encouraged to exit their vehicles in unsafe conditions.
Outside of peak traffic, other opportunistic methods have been noted in various crime reports, including attempts to force vehicles to stop on isolated stretches of road or exploiting driver confusion in poorly lit areas. Authorities consistently advise motorists to avoid unnecessary stops in unsafe locations and to prioritise reaching secure, populated areas when something feels wrong.
There are also ongoing warnings about impersonation cases involving fake traffic officials or security personnel, where criminals attempt to pull vehicles over under false pretences.
Expert advice: vigilance is the strongest defence
According to MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, motorists often underestimate their exposure to risk.
“The most important thing to understand is that no person, vehicle or area is immune to carjacking risk,” Herbert said. “Complacency is one of the biggest vulnerabilities drivers have.”
He stressed that awareness and defensive driving habits remain essential, especially for those commuting through known high-risk areas or during busy travel periods.
Practical recommendations from road safety specialists include maintaining safe following distances, staying alert at intersections and in slow-moving traffic, and keeping doors locked with windows closed when conditions feel uncertain. Where possible, drivers are also encouraged to position themselves in lanes that allow for easier manoeuvring and escape options.
Hijacking risk is generally understood to peak during late afternoon and early evening travel periods, when traffic density and reduced visibility create favourable conditions for criminals.
A continuing national challenge
Despite increased awareness campaigns, improved vehicle tracking technology and ongoing policing efforts, vehicle hijacking remains a deeply entrenched issue shaped by economics, opportunity and organised criminal networks.
For motorists, the message from analysts and law enforcement remains consistent: risk is not limited to specific cars or specific areas, and routine journeys can quickly become vulnerable without warning.