Dangerous hijacking tactic making a comeback in South Africa written by Malcolm Libera

[Nat Quinn]

Dangerous hijacking tactic making a comeback in South Africa written by Malcolm Libera

The alarming “blue light’ hijacking tactic has reemerged in South Africa, with several incidents involving hijackers impersonating police officers in 2025, specifically in Gauteng.

Several motorists in South Africa have recently fallen victim to hijackers posing as police officers who stop unsuspecting drivers and rob them.

These criminals are locally known as “blue-light gangs,” who confront drivers by setting up roadblocks or instructing them to pull over while claiming to be members of the Police Service or municipal police.

The hijackers drive vehicles marked with police insignia or use flashing blue lights. They also wear police uniforms or display fake police appointment cards to deceive their victims.

While there are cases of these gangs operating in multiple provinces, there has been a notable spike in incidents across Gauteng.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) noted that five suspects were arrested on Wednesday (23 April) for the hijacking of a truck on Modderfontein Road in Sebenza.

A police spokesperson added that the suspects were wearing Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department uniforms, while others were wearing South African Police Service reflector jackets.

At the end of March, the SAPS also reported that more suspects were arrested in connection with a spate of hijackings on the N3 Highway between Villiers and De Hoek Toll Gate.

The suspects were disguised as police officers, using a vehicle fitted with blue lights and sirens to pull over and hijack unsuspecting motorists.

Additionally, the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) said it is currently investigating reports of individuals impersonating metro police officers.

These criminals are conducting unauthorised traffic stops in areas such as Winnie Mandela Drive and Beyers Naudé Drive with the intention of hijacking vehicles.

Superintendent Xolani Fihla emphasised the seriousness of these allegations and urged motorists to exercise caution.

Fihla further warned motorists against stopping in isolated areas if they feel unsafe and advised them to proceed to the nearest police station to verify the credentials of the officers stopping them.

He added that motorists can contact the JMPD or the South African Police Service (SAPS) if they doubt officers’ legitimacy.

“If you are stopped by individuals claiming to be JMPD officers, request to see their official JMPD identification card,” said Fihla.

“Motorists can also take note of the vehicle’s registration number, make and model, and try to remember any distinguishing features of these individuals.”

He urged South Africans who have been victims or witnessed suspicious activity to report it to the JMPD immediately.

The cars targeted

Regarding the most popular cars among hijackers, security experts have explained that vehicle hijackings are primarily business-driven by demand and supply in South Africa.

The CEO of Fidelity Group Wahl Bartmann previously told BusinessTech that popular models are targeted due to the high demand for their parts or resale value, often through illicit markets.

For years, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford cars have been the most targeted vehicles, which still holds true.

However, the rise of Chinese automakers in the South African market has introduced new targets. Fidelity ADT first flagged this in mid-last year.

Fidelity did not specify vehicle models. However, trends and sales data from Naamsa indicate that the Haval Jolion and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, top sellers at the end of 2024, are likely hijacking targets.

Larger SUVs like the Haval H6 and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro are also at risk due to their popularity. These vehicles join the list of favourites among hijackers, which includes:

• VW Polo

• Toyota Hilux

• Ford Ranger

• Toyota Corolla Cross

• Toyota Fortuner

• Haval Jolion

• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro

• Haval H6

• Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

Bartmann further noted that popular models are often targeted because they blend in easily on South African roads, especially in colours like white and silver.

Hijackers typically strip these cars for parts or re-register them through corrupt channels for resale.

According to the SAPS’ latest crime statistics, cases of hijackings have declined significantly over the past year.

The data shows that hijacking incidents have decreased by 19.5% in the country over the third quarter of 2024 (October to December).

However, this is little to celebrate, and the number of hijackings being reported in South Africa remains alarmingly high.

According to the SAPS report, 4,807 hijackings were reported over the period, which represents just over 53 incidents every day in the country.

source:Dangerous hijacking tactic making a comeback in South Africa – BusinessTech

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