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South Africa has a high rate of hijackings, so it’s useful to know which are the most hijacked cars in South Africa. 

Hijackers or carjackers will not hesitate to kill or harm any resisting motorists. So, if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, it is safest to cooperate.  Hand over your vehicle, as it might save your life.

Hijackers operate in groups of two to five.  They often impersonate police or traffic officers. They move in white Toyota Hilux double cabs or white VW Polos to trap motorists.

According to MasterDrive, the prime times when you are likely to be hijacked are:

• On a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 18h00 to 21h00.
• On a Friday or Saturday night from 21h00 to midnight.
• During peak traffic times, 6h00 to 9h00.
• During reduced visibility at night between 18h00 to 24h00, especially on Fridays and Saturdays.

Hijackers or carjackers become increasingly desperate to fulfil their supply and demand obligations.  So, they take more significant risks to get their vehicles of choice. The top province for hijacking is Gauteng. It has more than triple the number of cars targeted than the runner-up, KwaZulu Natal. 

Fidelity Services says that hijackers prefer white vehicles to the tune of 48.9% over silver-grey cars at 18.9%. 

The top priority for hijackers isn’t colour though. The most important factors are the make and model of the vehicle. 

The Top Five High-Risk Vehicles

The top five most targeted vehicles are: 

• VW Polo is popular among citizens and thieves.  Being a popular vehicle means criminals choose them first. These cars do not stand out. 
• VW Polos are used to commit other crimes. SAPS crime stats indicate that VW Polo constitutes a third of all vehicles stolen.
• As the people mover of choice and one of the most popular vehicles throughout Africa, the Toyota Quantum Taxi is high maintenance. Thus, Toyota engines are the most desired and popular engines in South Africa. Because Toyota Fortuner and Hilux models have compatible engines with the Quantum, they are stolen and headed straight to chop shops for their engines and other parts.
• Nissan NP 200s are the third most hijacked vehicle in South Africa.
• In the eastern part of the country, first quarter crime stats noted Ford Ranger bakkies were some of the most stolen vehicles, usually found headed to the Mozambique border.

Tracking To Stay Ahead Of The Hijackers

Experts recommend installing tracking units in high-risk vehicles such as:

• VW Polo,
• Toyota Fortuner,
• Toyota Etios,
• Toyota Yaris,
• Toyota Hilux, and
• Ford Ranger. 

Besides installing tracking devices and getting car insurance, one of the safest ways to be on the road is to drive low-risk cars.  Unpopular makes include Subaru, Volvo and Chrysler.  

Experts also suggest that all motorists should incorporate these essential safety habits before taking to the road: 

• Before getting in your car, always check your back seat, even though the vehicle may have an alarm system, as experts report an increase in the use of jamming devices.
• Close all the vehicle’s doors and windows as soon as you get in your car
• On leaving or approaching your driveway and cars are milling around it, don’t leave your driveway or drive on by in the latter instance.
• Don’t stop at deserted spots or areas to answer your phone or have a bite to eat.
• Don’t stop for hitchhikers, even for a woman with a baby. Many times, women and children are used as bait to lure well-meaning citizens into vulnerable positions. 
• If someone tries to force your vehicle off the road, hoot to draw attention. 
• But if all else fails, first of all, don’t be a hero, let the car go, as you can’t be replaced, but it can be
• Don’t panic, fight, argue or get angry because you’ll just be mirroring the desperation of your attacker, who will not hesitate to injure you.

According to Duma Ngcobo, the chief operating officer at Tracker South Africa, hijacking is more prevalent than vehicle theft these days.

Hijacking attributed a higher percentage of Tracker’s vehicle crime activities in 2021 when compared to theft, averaging a 54/46% split, he told Business Insider.

“The slant towards hijacking is most likely an opportunistic tactic, with a noticeable increase in vehicles being targeted for their loads”.  That includes fast-moving consumable goods.

He continued that drivers who drive around with large amounts of cash are also targeted. “South Africans should be wary and remain vigilant, especially when returning home from shopping or when goods bought online are delivered to their homes. 

Hijackings are often violent, and there are instances where a hostage is taken,” said Ngcobo.

In conclusion, get to know the hijacking hotspots in your area. For instance, in Cape Town, identified hijacking hotspots are Nyanga, Harare and Delft. Elsewhere, some hotspots are Umbilo in Durban and the Johannesburg CBD, particularly the Jeppestown, Carltonville and Randfontein areas. 

iER is the gateway to emergency response services, including a national network of private, semi-private and governmental emergency medical and non-medical services. If you feel unsafe on the road, you can use the app to call for assistance from the police, traffic services and other emergency organisations. A call centre operator will send help straight your way, using your GPS location.