Carjacking numbers are down, but South Africans are still urged to be careful

The crime stats for the fourth quarter of 2022/2023 financial year were released recently. It is positive that the number of drivers hijacked saw a decrease from 5 608 to 5 119 – a drop of 489. This is encouraging when compared against the third quarter which noted a 30% increase compared to pre-COVID levels. However, carjacking is still a major problem within South Africa.

CARJACKING STATS

Yet, while this is a right step toward returning to pre-COVID levels, broken down, it still means that approximately 60 drivers are hijacked every day. The CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert, says:

“Every decrease is an important victory in creating safer roads for drivers. Are we, however, satisfied that more than a busload of people are hijacked every day, often in a traumatic and violent manner and which has financial implications in an economy already hard struck by challenges.”

“The simple answer to this is, of course, no. The more difficult question to answer is how can we see a greater reduction? It needs to be approached from various sectors if we hope to see more change. Until South Africa reaches that point, each driver needs to play their role by driving with greater awareness and knowledge of how to prevent, or worst-case scenario, survive a hijacking. Corporates can contribute with hijack extraction training like that provided by MasterDrive.” – CEO of MasterDrive, Eugene Herbert

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In addition to this, it is important to consume media on the topic more skeptically. “Following the release of the stats, information on the top hijacking hotspots started circulating. While this information is certainly important to educate drivers on areas where they should be on high alert, also be cautious that information like this does not lull you into a false sense of security.

“After scanning the content and identifying that you do not frequent one of these areas, how many drivers relax and decide they are not at risk? The key to the highest awareness of potentially dangerous situations is to always be aware of your surroundings. Just because you drive through Constantia and not Nyanga in the Western Cape, does not mean you can let your guard down. Be selective of the message you take from content and do not increase your own risk.”

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The unfortunate truth is that hijackers have been a blight on South Africa for a very long time. “As such, drivers can never ignore the continual risk it presents. Ideally, go one step ahead and know what to do should you face this traumatic situation. This is not to say drivers should be paranoid, but most certainly be aware no matter where you drive,” says Herbert.

For more information on training interventions, ask for a free consultation with a MasterDrive advisor by emailing info@masterdrive.co.za or calling the national number 0861 100 618.

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Published by MasterDrive South Africa on MotorPress

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