South Africa continues to battle high levels of vehicle hijackings.
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Vehicle hijackings in South Africa remain at alarmingly high levels, according to recent crime statistics.
Vehicle hijackings in the Western Cape remain at critically high levels, with the N2 corridor leading to Cape Town International Airport, known as the "hell run" identified as one of the country's most dangerous stretches of road for motorists.
National crime statistics show no improvement in hijacking trends, with several high-risk zones continuing to pose a threat to drivers across South Africa. The Western Cape route has earned a grim reputation among motorists familiar with its dangers.
Toyota Hilux bakkies and Volkswagen Polos remain the most frequently targeted vehicles, driven by their high resale value and steady demand for parts on the informal market.
The data shows no signs of improvement, with several high-risk areas across the country continuing to pose significant threats to motorists.
In Gauteng, Alexandra remains a hotspot, while Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal continues to record high numbers of hijacking incidents.
Newer additions to the list of commonly targeted vehicles include the Kia Picanto, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Corolla Cross. The Ford Ranger also continues to feature prominently as its popularity grows.
CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, warned motorists against becoming complacent.
“The most important thing to understand is that no person, vehicle or area is immune to carjacking risk.
“Falling into complacency because your vehicle is not on the list or you seldom frequent high-risk areas is your biggest vulnerability. Vigilance is non-negotiable for your family, your employees and yourself,” Herbert said.
Herbert advised motorists to drive in the middle lane where possible to create distance from roadside criminals, particularly on high-risk routes.
Motorists were urged to remain alert at intersections and in slow-moving traffic, keep doors locked and windows closed, and leave enough space between vehicles to pull away quickly if necessary.
Herbert noted that hijacking risks are generally higher between 4pm and 9pm.