12 high-risk vehicles for hijackings in South Africa identified

South Africa is experiencing an increasing threat of vehicle hijackings, particularly affecting certain car models. Data from Tracker South Africa for the first half of 2024 has identified 12 vehicles that are at high risk 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.