Hijacking is still one of South Africa’s biggest concerns, despite the numbers showing a slight decline. According to the latest figures from the South African Police Service (SAPS), in the Q2 2024/2025 period, recorded hijacking incidents are at 4,788 – a 9.4% decrease from the previous year. These are still very high numbers, underscoring the importance of vigilance, safety, and preparation on the roads.
Gauteng remains the most affected province, accounting for almost half of the total reported hijackings. Although these are unsettling numbers and statistics, always remember to approach the topic of hijacking with a proactive and safety-minded mindset. Remember that the safest way to react in a hijacking is to stay calm, comply with instructions, and avoid sudden movements.
This guide will help you know exactly what to do and how to respond if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. We’ll also explain how Cartrack’s technology can support and protect you.
The prospect of being targeted in a hijacking is frightening. It's a scenario that you hope to never find yourself in. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, the reality is that it could happen to any one of us. That’s why it’s important to have the appropriate knowledge that will allow you to navigate this unfortunate event safely.
Here are some tips on how you should react in the event of a hijacking:
While your first instinct may be to retaliate when your life and possessions are threatened, avoid this reaction at all costs. Your car and your vehicles can always be replaced, but your life and your safety can’t be. Rather, focus on your well-being in such a high-risk situation.
The best way to handle the situation is not to threaten or challenge the hijackers in any way, especially if they’re carrying a weapon such as a gun or a knife.
If you’re instructed to hand your vehicle over, leave everything as it is and calmly step away at a steady pace, without making any startling movements. Always try your best to place as much distance as possible between yourself and the hijackers.
Sudden movements could potentially alarm hijackers, causing them to see unexpected movements as a threat and ultimately increasing your risk of harm. Always choose to stay calm, as this could prevent the situation from escalating further.
Keep your hands clearly visible at all times, preferably in the air, and don’t attempt to reach for anything. “The safety belt can put you at risk of getting shot at,” a hijacker told Independent Media in an interview. “When you reach to unclick your seatbelt, we might panic and think that you are reaching for a weapon, and that is when you get shot.”
Raise both hands with fingers spread to show they’re empty, signalling to the hijacker that you pose no threat. Additionally, avoid making eye contact with hijackers and speak slowly and calmly so as not to further aggravate the hijackers.
While following the hijackers’ orders, do your best to take note of as many details as possible – but only do this if it’s safe. It’s a traumatic situation, but taking note of small and important details could be extremely useful to the police when making a statement. This information could potentially help you hopefully get your car back and perhaps identify the perps.
This information includes:
Once you’re in a safe location, get hold of a phone so you can call SAPS on 08600 10111. Alternatively, you can call 112 from any mobile network if you need any other emergency services. Once SAPS has been called, officers can be dispatched, and medical services can be arranged if necessary.
After dealing with emergency services, please contact Cartrack at your earliest convenience to initiate stolen vehicle recovery (SVR). Here’s what to do:
If you have an active tracking device from Cartrack, immediately alert Cartrack’s 24/7 control operations room by phoning 011 250 3000 (Option 2 for emergency) or 010 141 3890 (Option 2 for emergency).
Vehicle tracking devices have become an important technology for the safety of fleet vehicles and their individual drivers. With the extensive range of optional extras offered by Cartrack, you’ll be covered for almost every eventuality, including hijacking.
If you’re equipped with Cartrack’s panic and action buttons, pressing these will immediately alert our 24/7 control room in an emergency. Here’s how they’ll help:
Cartrack’s Protector feature is another optional service that’s available on all Cartrack packages and the mobile app. This function ensures that once you select the Protector feature, you get access to medical and legal assistance if necessary.
Ensure that you have location-sharing apps on your phone so that friends and family can track your location whenever you’re on the move. The Share Location feature on the Cartrack app allows drivers or individuals to share their exact location from anywhere.
This comes in handy when hijackers are driving off with your car, leaving you stranded. Sharing your trip before hitting the road is ideal to get the best of this feature. Another great feature is geofencing, to alert you when entering and exiting a predefined high-risk area. “Investigate high-risk areas,” advises Herbert. “This is not to say you shouldn’t drive in those areas, but knowledge of this information can help you make the best decisions for your safety.”
Preparation and a proactive approach to vehicle safety can help you stay as safe as possible. As a driver, consider these safety measures:
With a Cartrack tracking unit installed, you can rest assured knowing that a team of trained professionals and advanced, innovative technologies have your back during your most traumatic car and safety-related moments. For ultimate peace of mind and trusted protection, Contact us today and find out why #DriversLoveUs.
Q: What indicators point to the possibility that a hijacking is imminent?
A: People loitering around your home or regular routes, questionable cars following you closely, or strange movements of traffic are just a few of the most common indicators. Always trust your instincts and act accordingly – you can never be too careful.
Q: Does Cartrack offer preventative features for a hijacking?
A: Yes, Cartrack offers features such as camera solutions, immediate alerts, and stolen vehicle response services to help you manage your road, personal, and vehicle safety.
Q: Can dashcams and other camera solutions help during a hijacking?
A: Yes, dashcams and other camera solutions can record valuable evidence that could assist police investigations and emergency assistance. Advanced camera solution systems, like Cartrack’s, offer live streaming to highly trained professionals in round-the-clock control rooms.
Q: Are hijackings more common at certain times of day?
A: Yes, hijackings typically take place in the early mornings and late evenings – when visibility is low and there aren’t very many people around. They can ultimately happen at any time of the day, though.
A car is hijacked every 32 minutes in South Africa. Don’t be scared – be prepared. Here are some helpful hints that could save your life in a hijacking
