Motorists are increasingly being kidnapped so that hijackers can disable tracking devices and force them to reveal banking details. File picture
By Wendy Jasson Da Costa, Jonisayi Maromo and Staff Reporter
CONCERNS are mounting over the rise in carjacking incidents across the country, with the latest police statistics indicating that the Northern Cape province has experienced the highest percentage increase at 65.2%. Additionally, there is growing alarm over the increasing ruthlessness of hijackers.
Security services organisations have warned that hijackers often show no regard for human life and will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. They employ “spotters” to monitor the movements of potential victims and motorists are increasingly being kidnapped so that hijackers can disable tracking devices and force them to reveal banking details.
The Fidelity Services Group reports that kidnappings also serve to delay calls for help to authorities.
Charnel Hattingh, Fidelity’s communications and marketing head, said that most hijackers targeted victims at, or close to, their homes and places of work. She said their information showed that motorists were most likely to be hijacked on Tuesday or Friday evenings.
Marius Cloete, the managing director at Anti-Hijacking and Policing SA, a non-profit that works with the police to investigate and stop crime, said hijackers were not afraid to use violence and he emphasised the importance of co-operation for survival, stating, “Don’t fight, give them what they want.”
He recounted incidents where victims were kidnapped and coerced into handing over pensions or bank account details.
“We had a couple of incidents where they actually took the people hostage. Then they ask for their pensions or they will clear out their bank accounts and then drop them off somewhere. These guys are really ruthless, they don’t care about human life,” Cloete said.
Cloete explained that hijacking incidents are often influenced by the “market” and the specific demands of “clients”. He noted that a hijacker could earn around R50,000 for a car once it crosses the border, where it is then sold for half its actual value.
He cautioned that hijackers gather information from various “spotters,” ranging from beggars at traffic lights to corrupt police officials, who identify the types of vehicles hijackers are seeking.
These spotters can relay details about a car that passes a certain location at a regular time each day. Cloete emphasised that hijackings are not random; extensive research is conducted on a potential victim’s habits.
According to the official police statistics, the number of carjacking incidents increased across eight provinces in 2022/23, with only Mpumalanga recording a decrease (13.4% or 196 cases).
“The highest percentage increases were in the Northern Cape (65.2% or 15 counts) and the Eastern Cape (39% or 524 counts). Gauteng (49.5% or 11,248 counts) and KwaZulu-Natal (16.4% or 3,731 counts) recorded the highest volume of these incidents, contributing 65.9% or 14,979 counts combined.”
Layton Beard from the Automobile Association (AA) explained that hijackings are often driven by “demand and supply”.
“It is vehicle-dependent and so it will all depend on the type of vehicle they’re looking for. What we have found in the trends, bears out that it is make and model specific, dependent on what their clients are looking for.”
Beard advised motorists to steer clear of known hijacking “hot spots”, to remain vigilant while driving and to stay alert to any unusual activity. “Be aware of your surroundings,” he emphasised.
He mentioned that there are panic button devices that can be attached to a key ring, worn on a belt, or around the neck. “It’s a hand-held device which, at the press of a button, will dispatch the closest armed security provider to your location to assist you. So if you push it, you may have somebody at your location within five minutes.”
VEHICLE COLOUR MATTERS
According to Fidelity, white vehicles are the most frequently targeted in their portfolio. Wahl Bartmann, the chief executive of Fidelity Services Group, explained that hijackers select specific vehicles based on their intended purpose and market demand.
“Vehicle hijackings are largely a business driven by demand and supply. As a result, hijackers target specific vehicles for a specific purpose and market,” he said. “Within the Fidelity footprint, these are the top five vehicles currently being targeted: white Nissan Almera, white Volkswagen Polo, white Toyota Hi-Ace, white Nissan NP200 and grey/blue/white Toyota Corolla.”
The private security company said it has observed an increase in the number of vehicle hijackings recorded in 2024.
“We can confirm that within the Fidelity footprint, we have seen an increase in the number of hijackings recorded during the first half of 2024, in comparison to both the corresponding periods during 2023 and the second half of 2023,” said Bartmann.
He said white and silver vehicles were mainly targeted by hijackers, but of late, even vehicles with non-traditional colours are also being hijacked.
“As mentioned above, traditionally vehicle hijackings are largely a business driven by demand and supply. In the recent past, white and silver vehicles were most often targeted, as per the black market’s demand, which often reflects the mainstream market trends,” said Bartmann.
“Recently there has been an increased demand for non-traditional coloured vehicles on the road. As a result, vehicles with non-traditional colours, including orange and yellow, have started being targeted more regularly.”
The Fidelity Services Group has appealed to motorists to be more observant while driving regardless of the type and colour of the vehicle they drive.
“Try to identify any suspicious vehicles that may be following you. When a vehicle is following you close to your home and/or when an unknown vehicle is parked close to your residence, drive past your house. Drive to your nearest police station and alert your armed response company,” said Bartmann.
He said vehicle trackers have proven to be an effective tool to help in the recovery of a stolen/hijacked vehicle.
“If you haven’t considered one before, I urge you to do so today,” said Bartmann.
In the unfortunate event of a hijacking, Bartmann urged motorists to comply.
“Do not offer any resistance during a hijacking. Remember that perpetrators are always armed and would not hesitate to fire when confronted. Additional perpetrators may stand out of view and fire should you fight back,” Bartmann warned.
Hijackings across South Africa happen at any place and at any time. “The best response is to be alert and aware of any suspicious activity near you. Should you be hijacked, report the incident to your tracking company and the police as soon as possible. The sooner you report the incident, the greater the likelihood that your vehicle will be recovered,” said Bartmann.
He also warned that as Chinese-made vehicles continue to rise in popularity in South Africa, the vehicles are also being targeted by criminals.
“The perceived quality of Chinese-branded vehicles has increased and we can confirm that, as a result, we have seen a slight increase in the number of these types of vehicle hijackings being recorded,” said Bartmann.
SAFETY TIPS
Vehicle tracking company Cartrack, which claims a 90% recovery rate, offers these safety tips on its website:
• Driveway hijackings: Victims can become a target in their driveway when they are waiting for the gate to open or close, which allows criminals to box them in when they are entering or exiting their property.
• The blockage method: Hijackers ambush unsuspecting motorists or even delivery persons in drive-throughs of fast food establishments, where they have little room for escape and are forced to comply with demands. There are usually two vehicles involved. One car will be in front of a motorist, and another car will be behind them to block them from reversing. Armed suspects from the car in front will try to force the motorist out of their car and then drive away.
• The “tap tap” trap: Criminals will deliberately drive into or “tap” the back of your car in traffic. Motorists are hijacked when they get out to assess the damage.
• The good Samaritan: Perpetrators convince targets at traffic lights that something is wrong with their vehicle. The hijackers make their move when the victim gets out to see what’s “wrong”.
• The imposter method or fake “blue light”: Perpetrators will pose as officials to get motorists to pull over on the road or to grant them access to their properties, homes or businesses.