Hijacking in SA: How to avoid becoming a hijacking victim

You’ve had a tough day at the office. You pull into your driveway—and suddenly there’s a man pointing a 9mm bullet at your head. You’re being hijacked.

Vehicle crime is a grim reality on South Africa’s roads. According to Statistics released by the SAPS, one motorist is hijacked every 32 minutes in the country. The dreadful thuggery has claimed many lives and shattered the safety and confidence of people throughout our nation.

Most vehicle hijackings are done to order. Vehicles are chosen by a potential buyer, not just minutes before, but days or even weeks before. Syndicates receive a hotlist, they then study their victims—even following them for days—and when they least expect, they attack. While some vehicles are resold on South African soil, others are smuggled out of the country and traded for weapons or drugs or broken down for their valuable parts.

One of the most traumatising and jarring experiences anyone can go through is being forced out of their own car at gunpoint, or worse, taken along for the most terrifying ride of their life. So, what can the country’s motorists do to avoid becoming a statistic? Besides handing over your car with no quibble—here are precautions motorists can take to reduce their exposure to high-risk situations.

1. Know that you may be a high-risk target

There are several ways hijackers can target you and purchasing a high-risk vehicle can increase your chances of becoming a hijack victim. Compiled using data and analytics from Ctrack, a global supplier of vehicle tracking, the top most hijacked cars in South Africa are the VW Polo, Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, BMW X5 and Chevrolet Spark. But demands change according to buyers’ needs, so do not get caught in the misconception that your vehicle is low risk. If a buyer requests a certain make or model, your vehicle can become a target.

2. Know South Africa’s hijacking hotspots

Statistics released by the SAPS have shown that 16 325 vehicle hijackings were reported between March and April 2019, with the bulk of these incidents occurring in Gauteng – followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape. Hijackings occur every day of the week, reaching a high on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Most hijackings happen early morning or early evening at the house, around 1 pm to 2 pm during lunch hours in traffic or intersections, and between 7 pm and 8 pm during peak traffic times where there is reduced visibility with accessible escape routes. Should you live in any of these areas—or anywhere really—you need to be alert.

3. Pay attention to your surroundings

Do not be an easy target; rather, be attentive to your surroundings always. As you approach your vehicle, keep your key ready but not visible, and only unlock your car when you’ve confirmed that there are no pedestrians or motorists nearby acting suspiciously. Ensure your windows and doors are closed and locked before leaving and while driving and keep checking your rear-view mirror to see if you are being followed. About 2km from your home, switch off the car radio and concentrate on your surroundings. If you feel unsafe, either drive to a busy area or straight to your closest police station.

4. Avoid distractions and be road smart

Criminals usually know your routines and routes, so it’s wise to change them now and then. Let someone know when to expect you at your destination. In fact, call ahead and ask someone to open and close the gate for you. You should not be using your phone while driving as it makes you vulnerable – and it’s the law. It is also important to keep all your valuables out of sight like your cellphone, laptop, handbag, gym bag and shopping bag.

Finally, do not stop to eat or rest on quiet roads, and never stop for anyone or anything, including unmarked police cars, broken-down cars, and rocks or tyres. Reverse and drive away in the opposite direction.

5. If you have kids with you, take your key out of the ignition

Should you have to get out of your car to open your rear door and you have small children with you, take your key with you when getting out of the vehicle (this is the only exception). Why? Because you want your children and the perpetrators want your vehicle, so you need the key as a “negotiating tool”. If your children are older, let them get out of the vehicle with you when opening the rear door so you are all separated from the vehicle should an attack occur.

Increase Your Chances of Surviving A Hijacking

Today, hijackings are becoming more violent than before, so knowing how to respond if you find yourself in one is critical. First, remember that your car is insured, so let it go. Your life is worth more than your car, so be submissive and do not antagonise the hijackers, as they are probably more nervous than you. Show them you are not a threat by immediately lifting your arms and surrendering.

The perpetrator needs to see where your hands and feet are always. Staying calm, slowly release the safety belt and slowly exit the vehicle. Angling your body sideways from the hijacker so the firearm is not directly pointing at your head or vital organs, protect your head with your arms while avoiding eye contact.

Never look directly at any of the suspects, but count the number of voices, note the language spoken, and get a good look at their shoes. It may appear as if you are cringing, but that might very well save your life.

It all sounds paranoid, doesn’t it? Hijacking and car theft are, unfortunately, a reality that must be factored into our daily lives—and part of the risk we face is whether to install a tracker or get insurance.

Driving an uninsured car is a risk for you, your passengers, your vehicle, and other drivers on the road. If you experience car theft or hijacking, or if you have an accident, you need cover. Without car insurance, you will be liable for expenses and you will need to find money to purchase another car.

Many insurance companies will charge you more if they know that you live in a high-risk area, you drive a high-risk car, or if you have no secure parking and no tracker system. Thankfully, these factors will in no way negatively impact your car insurance premium rates at Oakhurst Insurance.

Oakhurst Insurance provides affordable comprehensive car insurance to protect you against the devastating financial effects of fire, theft, and third-party claims. All you need to do is go to our website and an online quote will be generated within minutes. Alternatively, you can call one of our agents who will assist you in getting the right plan for you.

Make the wise insurance choice and get a quote from one of South Africa’s leading vehicle insurance providers.