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Car hijacking is one of the biggest safety concerns for motorists in South Africa. Every year thousands of vehicles are stolen during hijackings, with organised criminal syndicates deliberately targeting specific makes and models that are easy to resell or strip for parts. Understanding which vehicles appear most frequently in crime reports can help you stay alert, make smarter security choices, and ensure your cover is up to scratch before something goes wrong.
Key takeaways
- The Toyota Hilux is consistently South Africa's most hijacked vehicle
- Bakkies dominate hijacking statistics because of high resale value and cross-border demand
- Roughly 50 vehicles are hijacked every day across South Africa
- Gauteng, particularly Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni, records the highest hijacking numbers
- Criminals select targets based on spare-part demand, resale value and how easily the vehicle blends into traffic
- Comprehensive car insurance covers hijacking loss if the vehicle is not recovered, subject to policy terms and conditions
Top 10 most hijacked cars in South Africa
The vehicles below appear most frequently in hijacking statistics drawn from South African Police Service crime data, insurance industry reports and vehicle tracking insights.
- Toyota Hilux
- Volkswagen Polo Vivo
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Fortuner
- Hyundai Grand i10
- Nissan NP200
- Isuzu D-Max
- Toyota Corolla
- Kia Picanto
- BMW 3 Series
These vehicles are frequently targeted because they are widely driven in South Africa, straightforward to resell and in constant demand for spare parts.
Car hijacking statistics in South Africa
Vehicle hijacking remains a serious and persistent threat for drivers across South Africa. The scale of the problem becomes clear when you look at official police figures.
More than 4,500 vehicles were hijacked during a recent three-month reporting period, equating to roughly 50 hijackings per day nationwide.
Gauteng continues to record the highest number of hijackings in the country. Major metro areas including Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni report the largest number of incidents. Busy traffic, high population density and large concentrations of vehicles make these areas attractive targets for organised vehicle crime groups.
The latest SAPS statistics can be viewed at saps.gov.za.
Vehicle-by-vehicle breakdown
Here is a closer look at each vehicle on the list and why criminals target it.
1. Toyota Hilux
The Toyota Hilux consistently ranks as the most hijacked vehicle in South Africa. This bakkie is incredibly popular across the country and throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Its durability, strong resale value and widespread use in business and agriculture make it extremely attractive to organised crime syndicates. Many hijacked Hilux vehicles are stripped for parts or transported across borders to neighbouring countries.
- Bakkie
- South African term for a light commercial pickup truck. Bakkies such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max are among the most widely sold and most frequently hijacked vehicle types in South Africa.
2. Volkswagen Polo Vivo
The Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Volkswagen Polo are among the most common passenger cars targeted by hijackers. These vehicles are extremely popular with South African drivers. Because so many are on the road, spare parts are always in demand on the black market, making them one of the most hijacked cars South Africa crime reports flag every year.
3. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is another bakkie that frequently appears in hijacking statistics. Like the Hilux, the Ranger has strong resale demand and is widely used by both businesses and private drivers. Its popularity across Southern Africa also makes it attractive to organised crime networks that export stolen vehicles.
4. Toyota Fortuner
The Toyota Fortuner shares many mechanical components with the Toyota Hilux. This parts compatibility makes it highly valuable to criminals who strip vehicles. The Fortuner is also popular across neighbouring countries, which increases its cross-border resale value significantly.
5. Hyundai Grand i10
Compact hatchbacks like the Hyundai Grand i10 are widely driven in South Africa. Their popularity makes them easy to resell quickly, which is why they appear regularly in vehicle hijacking statistics despite their modest price point.
6. Nissan NP200
The Nissan NP200 remains a common target because of its popularity among small businesses and delivery companies. Criminals frequently target vehicles that are widely used in commercial environments, where predictable routes and stop-start driving create opportunities.
7. Isuzu D-Max
The Isuzu D-Max is another bakkie that appears regularly in hijacking reports. Like other popular bakkies, it has strong demand for resale and spare parts, particularly in agricultural and construction sectors.
8. Toyota Corolla
Sedans such as the Toyota Corolla are widely driven across South Africa. Their reliability and the ready availability of parts make them attractive to criminals looking to strip vehicles for components that can be sold through informal channels.
9. Kia Picanto
Small city cars like the Kia Picanto are becoming increasingly common on hijacking lists. Their prevalence in urban areas means a stolen vehicle blends easily into traffic, reducing the risk of immediate detection.
10. BMW 3 Series
Luxury vehicles such as the BMW 3 Series are targeted by organised crime networks for high-value resale or export. While they represent a smaller share of total hijackings, the financial motivation is significantly higher per vehicle.
Why criminals target these cars
Hijackers typically select vehicles based on three key factors.
| Factor | Why it matters to criminals | Vehicles most affected |
|---|---|---|
| High spare-part demand | Vehicles sharing parts across multiple models are easier to strip and sell through informal channels | Toyota Hilux, Toyota Fortuner, Volkswagen Polo Vivo |
| Strong resale value | Cars that sell quickly or can be exported across borders deliver faster returns | Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, BMW 3 Series |
| Popularity on the road | Common vehicles blend into traffic, making them harder for police to identify after a hijacking | Hyundai Grand i10, Kia Picanto, Toyota Corolla, Nissan NP200 |
According to vehicle crime research, everyday cars such as hatchbacks, sedans and bakkies make up the largest portion of hijacked vehicles precisely because they are so widely used. Rarity is not a protection strategy. Popularity is a risk factor.
Hijacking hotspots in South Africa
Hijackings occur more frequently in major metropolitan areas, but the locations where they happen follow predictable patterns.
Common locations where hijackings happen:
- Residential driveways
- Traffic lights and intersections
- Shopping centre parking areas
- Quiet suburban streets
- Petrol stations
Police precincts with consistently high hijacking numbers include:
- Mamelodi East
- Alexandra
- Kempton Park
- Pretoria West
Read our full guide on major hijacking hotspots in South Africa to understand exactly where vehicle crime is most concentrated.
How to reduce your risk of being hijacked
While hijacking cannot always be prevented, drivers can meaningfully reduce their exposure by staying aware and taking practical precautions.
How to reduce your hijacking risk as a South African driver
Practical steps to lower your risk of becoming a hijacking victim on South African roads.
- Tools:
- Vehicle tracking device
- Dashcam (optional)
Stay alert when entering your driveway
Many hijackings occur when drivers arrive home. Scan your surroundings before turning in and do not open your gate until you are certain it is safe.
Leave space at traffic lights
Keep at least one car length between your vehicle and the car ahead. This gives you room to manoeuvre and escape if confronted.
Avoid distractions while driving
Using your phone, adjusting your GPS or searching for music makes you an easier target. Stay focused, especially in high-risk areas.
Install a vehicle tracking device
Tracking technology significantly increases the chances of recovering a stolen or hijacked vehicle. Many insurers, including King Price, require a tracker for theft cover on certain vehicles.
Vary your routes and times
Predictable routines make you easier to follow and ambush. Change your routes and departure times where possible.
Trust your instincts
If something feels wrong, it probably is. Do not stop if you feel unsafe. Drive to a busy, well-lit area or a police station.
For more safety advice, read our guide on how to avoid car hijacking in South Africa.
What to do if your car is hijacked
If you are confronted by hijackers, your safety must always come first. No vehicle is worth your life.
What to do during and after a hijacking
Steps to follow if you are confronted by hijackers in South Africa.
- Tools:
- Mobile phone
Stay calm and comply
Avoid sudden movements. Follow the hijackers' instructions. Do not resist or attempt to fight back.
Get yourself and passengers to safety
Once the hijackers have left, move yourself and any passengers away from the scene.
Call the police
Report the incident to the South African Police Service as soon as you are safe. You will need a case number for your insurance claim.
Contact your insurer
Notify King Price or your insurer immediately. Have your policy number, vehicle registration and the SAPS case number ready.
Notify your tracking company
If your vehicle has a tracker, alert the tracking company so they can begin recovery procedures.
If your vehicle is stolen, follow our full guide on what to do if your car is stolen.
Why having the right car insurance matters
Vehicle crime is unfortunately part of life in South Africa. That is why having the right cover in place before something happens is so important.
When you insure your car with King Price, you can enjoy protection for incidents such as:
- Theft and hijacking
- Accidents and collisions
- Damage to third-party property
- Emergency roadside assist
Comprehensive car insurance can cover the loss of your vehicle if it is stolen or hijacked and not recovered, subject to the policy terms and conditions. And because King Price premiums decrease every month as your car loses value, you are never overpaying for cover.
- Decreasing premium
- A car insurance feature unique to King Price where your monthly premium automatically drops each month in line with your vehicle’s depreciation. You pay less as your car ages, rather than a flat rate that stays the same regardless of your car’s value.
And when things go wrong on the road, the king’s emergency assist services are just a phone call away. Because when your ride is in trouble, the king and his court are ready to help.
Get a car insurance quote from King Price today.
Frequently asked questions
The Toyota Hilux is consistently the most hijacked vehicle in South Africa, followed by the Volkswagen Polo Vivo, Ford Ranger, Toyota Fortuner and Hyundai Grand i10. These vehicles are targeted because of their high resale value, widespread use and strong demand for spare parts.
According to SAPS crime statistics, roughly 50 vehicles are hijacked every day across South Africa. This equates to more than 4,500 hijackings in a single three-month reporting period.
Most hijackings occur in residential driveways, at traffic intersections, in shopping centre parking areas and on quiet suburban streets. Gauteng is the highest-risk province, with precincts such as Mamelodi East, Alexandra, Kempton Park and Pretoria West recording the most incidents.
Bakkies such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max are valuable, durable and in high demand across South Africa and neighbouring countries. Their strong resale value and the wide availability of buyers for both whole vehicles and stripped parts make them prime targets for organised criminal syndicates.
Comprehensive car insurance typically covers hijacking if the vehicle is stolen or written off and not recovered, subject to the terms and conditions of the policy. It is important to check your specific policy wording and ensure your vehicle has the security features your insurer requires, such as a tracking device.
Many South African insurers, including King Price, require a functioning vehicle tracker as a condition of theft and hijacking cover on certain vehicles. Always confirm your tracker is active and compliant with your policy requirements.
Get yourself and any passengers to safety first. Then call the South African Police Service to report the incident and obtain a case number. Contact your insurer and your vehicle tracking company as soon as possible to begin the claims and recovery process.
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