South Africa’s Changing Hijacking Patterns: What Drivers Must Know

By Echos News Editorial Team
Published: April 28, 2026

Vehicle crime in South Africa is evolving, with hijackings shifting to new peak days and times. According to Tracker’s latest Vehicle Crime Index, hijackings that once peaked on Thursdays are now more common on Tuesdays between 16:00 and 21:00. This shift highlights the need for motorists to stay alert and adapt their safety strategies. (Source)

Key Findings from Tracker’s Vehicle Crime Statistics

• Hijacking peak times: Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 16:00–21:00.
• Theft of private vehicles: Most common on Saturdays between 11:00–16:00.
• Business-owned vehicles: Targeted on Fridays between 11:00–21:00.
• December decline: Overall vehicle crime dropped by 30% during the festive season due to reduced commuter patterns.

Provincial Breakdown of Vehicle Crime

South Africa’s three major provinces remain the hardest hit:

• Gauteng: Consistently records the highest number of hijackings.
• KwaZulu-Natal: Maintains stable crime levels but remains a hotspot.
• Western Cape: Private vehicle theft decreased, but business-owned vehicle crime rose, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Emerging Hotspots

Areas such as Mamelodi East, Alexandra, Kempton Park, and Pretoria West continue to feature prominently in hijacking statistics. These locations often involve high traffic volumes or predictable commuter routes, making them prime targets for criminals.

National Crime Statistics

Police data for October–December 2025 recorded 4,778 carjackings nationwide, averaging 50 incidents per day. Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape accounted for the majority, though provinces like the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga are closing the gap.

Why Hijacking Trends Are Shifting

Experts attribute the changes to evolving commuter patterns, opportunistic crime in busy tourist areas, and adjustments in criminal behavior. The festive season slowdown, school closures, and reduced business activity contributed to the temporary decline in December.

Impact on Motorists

For South African drivers, these statistics underscore the importance of vigilance. Hijackings are no longer confined to late-week evenings

Prevention Tips for Drivers

• Stay alert at intersections, petrol stations, and residential driveways.
• Avoid predictable commuting patterns when possible.
• Install and maintain vehicle tracking devices for faster recovery.
• Be cautious in known hotspots such as Alexandra, Kempton Park, and Pretoria West.
• Keep doors locked and windows closed when stationary in traffic.

Technology and Recovery Rates

Tracking technology continues to play a vital role in combating vehicle crime. Vehicles equipped with trackers have an 82% recovery rate, compared to just 35% for non-tracked vehicles. The average recovery time for tracked vehicles is under 10 hours, significantly reducing losses for owners.

Conclusion

South Africa’s hijacking landscape is shifting, demanding renewed awareness from motorists. By understanding the latest crime statistics, recognizing hotspots, and adopting proactive safety measures, drivers can reduce their risk. Staying informed is the first step toward staying safe.

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Read more related coverage on Echo News ZA. Original source: TopAuto.

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