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New hijacking trend targets motorists in Gauteng province

Motorists across South Africa, particularly in Gauteng, face an escalating threat from hijackers who are increasingly targeting vehicles at on-ramps and off-ramps of the country’s busiest highways. The National Community Police Board of South Africa (NCPS) has issued a strong warning about this growing danger, urging drivers to remain vigilant.

On-ramps and Off-ramps identified as hijacking hotspots

Business Tech reported that, Thokozani Masilela, spokesperson for the NCPS, highlighted the rise in hijackings during a recent interview with Newzroom Afrika. He pointed out that on- and off-ramps have become prime spots for these crimes, especially during peak traffic hours.

“We’ve seen a disturbing trend where criminals focus on highway access points, knowing that drivers are often distracted and vulnerable during these times,” Masilela explained.

One of the most common tactics employed by these criminals is the “tap tap” method. In this scenario, the hijackers deliberately bump into a target vehicle from behind, causing the driver to stop and exit their car to assess the damage.

Once the driver is out, the hijackers swiftly overpower them, stealing the vehicle and leaving the victim stranded on the roadside. This tactic is particularly prevalent during the workweek, when traffic congestion is at its worst.

The surge in hijackings is part of a broader increase in vehicle-related crimes in South Africa, which has left many motorists feeling anxious and unsafe. According to The South African, 2024 has seen a significant spike in vehicle hijackings, adding to the woes of drivers nationwide.

Moreover, the theft of car parts has now outpaced the theft of entire vehicles, according to data from Cartrack, a leading car-tracking company. Criminals have shifted their focus to stealing components like car wheels, batteries, sound systems, mirrors, and headlights. These parts are easier to conceal and more difficult to trace, making them highly sought after on the black market.

Mechanics and the black market

This black market for car parts has become a lucrative business, with an estimated trade value of R442 million in chop shops. Unfortunately, some car mechanics have also become complicit in these illegal activities. They sometimes replace genuine parts with cheaper, faulty ones during repairs, further fuelling the demand for stolen components.

As hijackings and thefts continue to rise, South African motorists must take extra precautions to protect themselves and their vehicles.

What measures can you take to reduce the risk of falling victim to these crimes?

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