In 2024, hijacking and car theft remained two of the most pressing challenges for South Africans, with criminals adapting their methods in response to changing circumstances.

As the year draws to a close, it has become increasingly evident that hijackers have refined their tactics, making vehicle-related crimes not only more frequent but also more sophisticated.

For motorists, awareness of these evolving trends is crucial as we head into the new year.

One of the more concerning developments has been the re-emergence of the ‘tap-tap’ hijacking tactic. This method involves criminals intentionally bumping into a victim’s car to create a staged accident.

While many drivers would naturally stop to assess the damage or exchange details, this moment of vulnerability becomes the perfect opportunity for hijackers to strike.

Often, the assailants are well-coordinated, with multiple perpetrators ensuring the victim is outnumbered and unable to defend themselves.

This trend has seen a resurgence,e particularly in urban areas, where congested roads provide ample opportunities for criminals to exploit unsuspecting drivers.

Another significant shift has been the rise in car theft and hijacking claims for high-value vehicles, particularly keyless models.

Criminals have increasingly turned to sophisticated car-jamming techniques to disable remote locking systems, making it easy to gain entry and steal vehicles.

High-value luxury vehicles are particularly targeted, as they provide substantial financial incentives for criminals.

What is most alarming is that even advanced security features in modern cars are not enough to deter hijackers, as they employ technology that allows them to bypass systems and drive off without a trace.

South Africa’s appetite for keyless vehicles has, in this sense, created a fresh opportunity for tech-savvy syndicates to exploit.

Perhaps one of the most harrowing trends to emerge in 2024 is the rise in kidnappings during hijackings.

Criminals are increasingly holding victims hostage, not only to ensure that tracking devices are revealed but also to delay the reporting of the crime.

By forcing victims to divulge the location of trackers, hijackers can remove or disable the devices before the vehicle is reported stolen, making recovery efforts significantly more difficult.

This tactic has added a new layer of trauma for victims, as being abducted during a hijacking is an experience that leaves both emotional and psychological scars.

The delay in reporting also gives criminals a critical head start, allowing them to escape before authorities can respond.

A particularly noteworthy pattern this year has been the targeting of motorists on South Africa’s busiest highways, especially in Gauteng.

Off-ramps and on-ramps have become hotspots, as drivers slowing down or stopping provide easy opportunities for hijackers to strike.

These areas are often poorly patrolled, and with motorists confined to limited routes of escape, they are left vulnerable.

Gauteng, as the country’s economic hub, has borne the brunt of this trend, with reports highlighting a steady rise in incidents across key arterial routes.

Additionally, the times of day when hijackings occur have shifted. Traditionally, hijackings were more likely to occur in the evenings, when roads were quieter, and criminals could operate with less chance of being noticed.

However, 2024 has seen a marked increase in hijackings taking place earlier in the day. Criminals are capitalising on morning traffic and the routines of unsuspecting commuters who are often focused on reaching their destinations.

According to data from Naked Insurance, hijackings account for 54% of vehicle thefts between 05h00 and 12h00, 47% from 12h00 to 21h00, and 25% between 21h00 and 05h00

This shift has forced South Africans to remain vigilant at all times, even during daylight hours when a sense of security can be misleading.

Another factor driving the hijacking epidemic in South Africa is the increasing demand for car parts, particularly for discontinued models.

These include the Nissan Almera, Nissan NP200, and Toyota Etios, all of which have been discontinued in South Africa.

With older vehicles still widely used across the country, the market for spare parts remains lucrative.

Cartrack reported that airbags, batteries, tailgates, wheels, and tyres are among the most stolen parts.

The company also reported incidents of stolen vehicles later found completely stripped, showing the lucrative trade value of illegal chop shops and stolen car parts, estimated at about R442 million.

Hijacked cars are often stripped down and sold off in pieces, making it difficult for authorities to trace or recover stolen vehicles.

The combination of high demand for parts and the profitability of dismantling vehicles has fueled this trend, making certain cars prime targets for syndicates.

In light of these developments, it is clear that hijacking and car theft in South Africa have evolved into highly organised and calculated operations.

The re-emergence of old tactics like tap-tap hijackings, combined with new methods involving technology, kidnappings, and shifts in timing, underscores the need for heightened awareness and caution among motorists.

South Africans heading into the new year must remain vigilant, adapt to these emerging trends, and take proactive measures to protect themselves and their vehicles.

Staying informed is the first step in ensuring safety on the roads as criminals continue to refine their strategies to evade detection and maximise their gains.