Today: November 21, 2024 - Up to 50% Discount & FREE Quotation
South Africa, despite witnessing a minor dip in hijacking incidents at the beginning of 2023, remains embattled by this form of crime. Alarmingly, the frequency of abductions during these episodes is on the rise.
Police Minister Bheki Cele recently unveiled the latest crime figures. The numbers present a troubling scenario for the country, with a general increase in criminal acts. The spike in hijackings is particularly alarming. In 2022, there was a 30% rise in such incidents compared to 2019, and a 15% increase from the previous year.
By the end of 2022, the country had seen 23,025 reported carjackings, which means an average of 63 vehicles were hijacked daily. Delving deeper into provincial data, Gauteng, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), and the Western Cape emerged as the most affected regions. Gauteng alone reported 11,626 carjackings, averaging nearly 32 vehicles each day. KZN and the Western Cape followed with daily averages of 10.3 and 8.4 vehicles respectively.
Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity services group, shared a somewhat hopeful view. In the areas overseen by his group, there was a slight reduction in hijacking incidents in the early months of 2023. Yet, he emphasized the gravity of the situation. Criminals continue to employ tactics like driveway hijackings and deceptive blue-light police stops, with the latter being particularly prevalent in truck hijackings.
For motorists feeling they might be followed, Bartmann advises signaling and decelerating a few houses ahead of their intended stop. This could potentially ward off would-be hijackers. Regarding the deceptive police stops, he suggests motorists be wary of certain roads and highways, especially after dark. If stopped, activating high beams and hazard lights might attract attention and deter potential criminals.
A disturbing development is the increasing number of kidnappings during hijackings. In such scenarios, victims are not just deprived of their vehicles but are also held captive. Offenders may demand a ransom, compel victims to access funds, or detain them until financial demands are met.
Recent data from Fidelity ADT reveals that Toyota is the most coveted brand for carjackers, involved in 31.6% of the incidents they recorded. Volkswagen (VW) and Ford are next in line, with 14.1% and 10.4% respectively. The most desired models among these include:
Bartmann also pointed out the popularity of Toyota Prados and Toyota Landcruisers among criminals. He noted,
Understanding the Different Types of Driver's Licences in South Africa
These high-risk vehicles are primarily destined for neighbouring countries, often hijacked just to be transported across the border.
In light of the persistent hijacking threat, Bartmann champions the use of anti-hijacking tech solutions. These systems offer real-time tracking, with updates ranging from every 2 to 20 seconds, facilitating prompt alerts to mitigate risks. In emergencies, an SOS feature on the related app can notify a monitoring centre. Furthermore, he endorses mobile apps that convert smartphones into personal safety instruments, ensuring help is always at hand.
Tesla Inc., the world-renowned electric vehicle (EV) and clean energy company, has expanded its footprint across many regions, from North America to Europe and parts
The speed limit on a road in South Africa is normally specified by a sign alongside that road. If no sign is present, then the general speed limits are: 60km/h on every public road in an urban area. 100km/h on every public road situated outside an urban area excluding a freeway. 120km/h on every freeway.
South Africa is a country where paying a traffic fines is not an option but a necessity. No matter if a motorist speeds past the speed limit on a highway or runs at 100km per hour through the suburbs, they will know they are violating the law and must pay the penalty.
All South African drivers are required to have a credit card format driving licence. This is automatically issued when a new driver receives a licence. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued. The expiry date appears on the card. Before the card expires, you should apply for a new card. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
It can be frustrating to lose your driver’s licence. Knowing what to do to get it replaced as soon as possible is essential. If you are familiar with the steps, replacing a driver’s license in South Africa can be quite simple. This article will give you a detailed guide to replacing a South African driver’s licence.
The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
South African car owners must have insurance. Car insurance is required by law for all motorists. It provides financial protection in the event of an accident. It can be difficult to find the right car insurance policy in South Africa, given all of the options. We will walk you through how to apply for South African car insurance. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
Join the View My Fines newsletter and receive related news and updates.