A total of 2.01-million crimes were recorded in South Africa over the past year, while in 2018, there were 2.09-million crimes recorded. While this indicates an overall downward trend in criminal activity in the country, police are concerned by a rise in the number of hijacking incidents.

During 2011/12, there were 9 417 reported cases of carjacking. This number has increased, as there have been 16 026 such incidents reported during the 2018/19 year.

The most incidents are reported in Gauteng (with 7 776), followed by KwaZulu-Natal (2 764) and the Western Cape (with 2 294).

Despite the high rate of hijacking in the Gauteng province, the annual crime statistics by the South African Police Service (SAPS) report shows that Nyanga in the Western Cape had the most reported incidents (273) compared to any other precinct.

According the report, more incidences of hijackings take place in townships than the inner city.

When analysing the types of cars being hijacked, the statistics show that sedans and hatchbacks are still the most popular targets for criminals, and account for 10 875 hijackings.

This is followed by bakkies (with 4 274), trucks (with 1 124) and micro-buses (with 480).

When looking at which brand of car is most targeted, Toyotas are most commonly stolen (5 253), followed by Volkswagen (2 877) and Nissan (1 303).

However, it should be noted that this is likely due to the popularity of these types of cars on South Africa’s roads.

Picture: Pixabay

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Lucinda is a hard news writer who occasionally dabbles in lifestyle writing, and recent journalism graduate. She is a proud intersectional feminist, and is passionate about actively creating a world which is free of discrimination and inequality.