The latest crime figures for the last quarter of 2025 show an 8.1% drop in reported carjackings compared with the same period in 2024. While this decline offers a glimmer of hope, the overall picture remains complex and concerning, reminding motorists that vigilance cannot be relaxed.
The Eastern Cape led the national decline, with hijackings falling by nearly 31% year-on-year. Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, notes that such a significant reduction merits attention: targeted efforts by authorities in the region may hold valuable lessons for other provinces. Mpumalanga also saw a notable drop of 20.5%, Western Cape 16.9%, Limpopo 18 fewer incidents, and KwaZulu-Natal 10.7%. Herbert emphasizes the need to identify whether these decreases are the result of shifting crime patterns or deliberate policing strategies.
In contrast, North West province saw only a modest reduction of 8.3%, highlighting that crime trends are not uniform across the country. Risk zones can emerge even amid an overall decline, requiring focused policing and local awareness.
Despite the encouraging 8.1% decrease, the number of vehicles hijacked remains high. A total of 4 420 cars were reported stolen during the quarter, averaging nearly 48 carjackings per day. Over the 2024/2025 period, more than 102 000 people were affected. It is also worth noting that official statistics only reflect reported incidents. According to Victim of Crime Surveys (VOCS), a significant portion of hijackings go unreported, suggesting that the true scale of the risk could be 23% higher than reported figures.
Gauteng continues to dominate the statistics as South Africa's hijacking hotspot. Despite a slight decline of 0.9%, the province accounted for 2 544 reported cases, more than half of all national carjackings. Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal trail behind, yet their figures underscore the ongoing nationwide challenge.
These statistics reinforce the critical need for constant vigilance. Herbert advises motorists to remain alert, particularly in unfamiliar or high-risk areas. Awareness of surroundings, varying routes and schedules, keeping doors locked, windows up, and anticipating potential threats can reduce vulnerability. Practical measures, such as reversing into parking spots for a quick exit and always having an escape route in mind, are essential precautions.
In situations where a hijacking is unavoidable, Herbert stresses that one’s life is far more valuable than any vehicle. Avoid resistance, sudden movements, and immediately report the incident to the SAPS. For organisations seeking structured guidance, MasterDrive’s Task Team provides specialised training to equip drivers with the skills to mitigate hijacking risks effectively.
