Stolen dreams: Over 60 cars hijacked daily across South Africa in Q1 2024/2025

Carjackings remain a significant issue in South Africa, with an average of 60 vehicles hijacked every day, according to the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS). 5,438 carjackings were reported across the country’s nine provinces in the first quarter of the 2024/2025 period, from April to June 2024.

Despite the alarming numbers, there has been a slight improvement compared to last year’s period. The number of carjackings has decreased by 0.9%, with 50 fewer cases reported than in 2023. “While it’s a small drop, every reduction counts when it comes to such a pervasive crime,” a report by Top Auto read.

Truck hijackings also saw a significant decline, with 429 incidents reported, marking a 14% decrease from last year. Other vehicle-related crimes, including the theft of motor vehicles and motorcycles, fell by 5.2%, totalling 8,611 cases. Theft out of or from motor vehicles decreased by 3.6%, with 20,196 incidents recorded.

One of the most notable improvements was in cash-in-transit robberies, which dropped by 40%, from 60 incidents last year to 36 this year. However, the battle against drunk driving remains challenging, with a 1.7% increase in arrests, totalling 14,179 cases.

Gauteng: The epicenter of carjackings

Gauteng province remains the most affected by carjackings, with 2,605 cases reported between April and June. The police stations in Orange Farms, Ivory Park, and Eldorado Park emerged as the top hotspots, reporting 81, 68, and 64 carjackings, respectively.

The Western Cape followed, with 877 carjackings. Nyanga, Harare, and Philippi East police stations were among the most affected, with 98, 92, and 80 cases reported.

KwaZulu-Natal recorded the third-highest number of carjackings, with 727 cases. Newlands East, Umlazi, and Inanda topped the list, with Newlands East reporting a staggering increase of 35 incidents compared to last year.

Eastern Cape and beyond

In the Eastern Cape, 413 carjackings were reported, with Kwazakele leading the province with 81 cases. The situation in Mpumalanga also raised concerns, with 330 incidents, led by Delmas, Vosman, and Witbank stations.

The North West province saw 186 carjackings, while Limpopo recorded 135 cases. Free State and Northern Cape, the least affected provinces, had 58 and seven incidents, respectively.

As South Africa grapples with these figures, the SAPS continues its efforts to combat carjackings and related crimes, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “Our focus remains on reducing these crimes further and ensuring safer communities across the country,” said a SAPS representative.

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