The latest crime statistics for the final quarter of 2025 show that reported carjackings declined by 8.1% compared with the same period in 2024. However, despite the decrease, the overall number of incidents remains high, highlighting ongoing risks for motorists.
Eastern Cape improves
The Eastern Cape recorded the most significant improvement, with hijackings falling by nearly 31% year-on-year. According to MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, the sharp reduction raises questions about the effectiveness of targeted enforcement.
“With such a significant drop, it is worth investigating the targeted efforts undertaken by authorities in the region,” Herbert said.
Other provinces also reported declines. Mpumalanga recorded a 20.5% decrease, while the Western Cape dropped by 16.9%. Limpopo saw 18 fewer incidents, and KwaZulu-Natal reported a 10.7% decline.
Herbert said understanding the reasons behind these changes is important.
“The cause of the decreases should be identified to determine if it is due to changing crime patterns or targeted efforts from authorities,” he said.
Not all regions saw significant improvements. North West recorded a smaller decrease of 8.3%, indicating that crime trends vary across provinces.
“Though it is relatively small in comparison to the decreases, it highlights that crime is not uniformly declining. Risk zones may be emerging requiring focused policing,” Herbert said.
Daily hijackings remain high
Although the quarterly decline is notable, the number of incidents remains substantial. A total of 4,420 vehicles were hijacked during the quarter, equating to an average of nearly 48 hijackings per day.
Over the broader 2024/2025 reporting period, approximately 102,000 people were affected by vehicle hijackings.
Crime statistics may also underestimate the true extent of the problem. Victim of Crime Surveys indicate that a significant number of incidents go unreported.
“The survey suggests the real figure is 23% higher than reported figures making the real risk much higher,” Herbert said.
Gauteng still the hotspot
Gauteng continues to record the highest number of hijackings nationally, despite a marginal decline of about 0.9%.
The province reported 2,544 hijackings during the quarter, accounting for more than half of all incidents nationwide.
The Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal recorded fewer cases than Gauteng but remain among the provinces with the highest hijacking rates.
“With 2,544 reported cases, it is both the province with the most hijackings and accounts for more than half of all carjackings combined,” Herbert said.
Awareness essential
Motorists are cautioned to remain alert and take precautionary measures to reduce risk.
“While increased police presence is one perspective, vigilance and knowledge is essential to protect oneself as far as possible,” said Herbert.
Precautionary measures include remaining vigilant in unfamiliar areas, watching for suspicious vehicles or individuals, varying routes and travel times, and keeping doors locked and windows closed in traffic.
Parking in a way that allows for a quick exit and maintaining awareness of surroundings at intersections may also reduce vulnerability.
What to do during a hijacking
If confronted by hijackers, motorists are advised not to resist.
“Do not resist or argue, your life is worth more than any vehicle,” Herbert said.
Motorists should avoid sudden movements that could escalate the situation and report the incident to the South African Police Service as soon as possible.
Willem van de Putte
iol.co.za
