Car parts are a primary driver of hijackings in South Africa, and this is especially true for discontinued models; and it’s for this reason, three specific models are on the hijackers’ most-wanted list.

According to data from the South African Police Services (SAPS), there are 66 reported car hijackings every day, marking a significant 34% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.

It’s important to highlight that these statistics only cover hijackings involving violence or coercion against the driver.

The data reveals that approximately 10,000 vehicle thefts are reported per quarter, which amounts to about 40,000 thefts annually.

Looking back at the first quarter of 2024, Fidelity ADT confirmed that within the Fidelity footprint, the number of hijackings recorded increased compared to the corresponding periods during 2023 and the second half of 2023.

Over the course of the past 12 months, the security group have identified roughly 14 vehicle models that have stood out as hijacking favourites across South Africa.

These cars, in no particular order, are:

• BMW 3 Series;
• Ford Ranger;
• Hyundai i20;
• Nissan Almera
• Nissan NP200;
• Toyota Corolla Cross;
• Toyota Corolla;
• Toyota Etios;
• Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D);
• Toyota Hilux (GD6 and D4D);
• Toyota Prados;
• Toyota Land Cruisers;
• Toyota RAV 4; and
• VW Polo (especially hatchbacks).

While most of these targets are cars that are among the most popular on the roads of South Africa, which are also popular in the rest of Africa, such as the Hilux and Polo, three cars stand out.

These are the Nissan Almera, Nissan NP200, and Toyota Etios, all of which have been discontinued in South Africa.

Toyota discontinued the Etios in 2020 and replaced it with the Suzuki-sourced Toyota Starlet.

The South African automotive market also bid the Nissan Almera farewell in 2023 when the imports from India ended, resulting in Nissan quietly discontinuing this once-popular sedan.
 

The most recent model to be axed from showroom floors is the NP200.

Although the compact bakkie was officially discontinued in April 2024, it remained one of the most stolen vehicles in the country in the first half of this year.

Commenting on the reasons for the targeted cars, Fidelity ADT noted that the “business” of stolen cars is largely driven by supply and demand, which includes their parts.

Cartrack, a prominent car-tracking company, agreed and said that the theft of car components has become more widespread than the theft of entire vehicles.

They mentioned that the high demand for affordable, readily available parts on the black market drives this trend, as these parts are easier to conceal and harder to trace than whole cars.

This is due to experienced syndicates with designated chop shops being able to dismantle any car in minutes.

Cartrack has observed just how easy it is for criminals to steal vehicle components.

They noted that four wheels can be removed in five minutes, airbags and tailgates in two minutes, and a battery disconnected in as little as one minute.

The company reported that airbags, batteries, tailgates, wheels, and tyres are among the most stolen parts.

Cartrack also reported incidents of stolen vehicles later found completely stripped, showing the lucrative trade value of illegal chop shops and stolen car parts, estimated at about R442 million.

This unlawful practice is viewed as a quicker and more profitable alternative to reselling stolen vehicles.

The discontinuation of once-popular cars has resulted in a shortage of spare parts, making them a popular target for hijackers.

Tracker has commented on the latest hijacking hotspots, stating that while shopping malls are still a primary hotspot for theft in South Africa, their data also shows that sporting and school events are primary hunting grounds for hijackings and car thefts across the country.