South Africa faces a rising threat of vehicle hijackings, with specific car models bearing the brunt. Data from Tracker South Africa for the first half of 2024 highlights 12 high-risk vehicles for hijacking.
Top models targeted for hijacking
According to the data, popular vehicle models are especially susceptible to theft, likely due to demand for their parts on black markets. The following vehicles top the list of theft-prone cars:
- Ford Ranger
- Hyundai i20
- Nissan NP200
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Etios
- Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D models)
- Toyota Hilux (GD6 and D4D models)
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota RAV 4
- VW Polo (especially hatchback models)
- The Hidden Market for Stolen Car Parts
In addition to entire vehicles, specific car parts have become a lucrative target. Internal data from MiWay insurance reveals that wheels, batteries, sound equipment, mirrors, and headlights are among the most commonly stolen accessories. The appeal lies in their high resale value and relative ease of concealment.
“Despite numerous safety measures, carjackers are evolving their techniques,” notes MiWay spokesperson Siyakha Masiye.
This adaptability makes it difficult for authorities to track stolen parts, which often enter chop shops, fetching an estimated R442 million annually.
Mechanics and the black market
The demand for vehicle parts has even pulled some unscrupulous mechanics into the illicit trade. Reports indicate that during repairs, some mechanics replace genuine parts with faulty or inferior alternatives, profiting from reselling the stolen components. These practices further drive the demand for items like airbags, tailgates, wheels, and tires, making stolen car parts a profitable, though unlawful, enterprise.
As hijacking and vehicle theft intensify, what measures do you think should be implemented to curb this escalating crisis?
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