Three hijacking trends targeting South African drivers
South African motorists have been warned that hijackers are using new methods.
According to the most recent crime statistics released in 2023, hijacking incidents have increased by 30% since 2019.
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When drivers or passengers are involved in such incidents, they might feel hopeless, and although it might seem like there is little to be done at the time, there are ways you can remain vigilant.
On a recent podcast, Penuel Mlotshwa was joined by the Group CEO of Mit-Mak Motors, Bobby Petkov, who spoke about three new methods of hijacking that have been identified.
The Blockage Method
This method is very similar to the technique used by hijackers following and blocking off motorists when they arrive home and are in the driveway.
So hijackers will block you at a fast food place like a KFC or McDonald's or one of these establishments where a car will block you from the front, as well as the back. You'll be identified as a target vehicle…They'll block you and then obviously they have closed the space. They will point you with a gun and tell you to get out of the car. You can't reverse because there's a car behind you, you can't go forward because there's a car (in front ) of you and they'll take your car and everybody drives away.
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The Tap-Tap Trap Method
This may seem like a normal accident, but these days you can't be too careful.
So they'll drive behind you and slightly bump you. And then they will say, ‘oh man, I'm so sorry, you know, can we stop and exchange insurance details’. Then boom they will, grab the car and go.
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The Good Samaritan
You will be driving past and they will say, “excuse me, your tyres are flat.. I think you ought to maybe pull over and have a look, there is this situation with your tyre.
As soon as the motorist pulls over, the hijackers will make their move.
Unfortunately, trust amongst South Africans seems to be on a steady decline as these incidents continue to increase, and it's hard to keep having faith in humanity.
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Main image courtesy of iStock/djedzura