South Africa's Hijacking Crisis: Experts Offer Crucial Survival Tips
Johannesburg – With a staggering 20,000 vehicle hijackings occurring annually in South Africa – a chilling average of 60 per day – experts are urging motorists to adopt a proactive approach to personal safety. Vigilance is no longer a mere suggestion; it's a vital survival strategy on South African roads.
According to Tracker, Gauteng accounts for approximately half of all reported hijackings, with a particularly high incidence on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm. Understanding these trends and adopting preventative measures can significantly reduce your risk.
Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, emphasises the severity of the situation: "Although hijacking is not unique to South Africa, there is more violence associated with it in this country than there is in other parts of the world."
Driveway Dangers: The 70% Statistic
A concerning statistic reveals that 70% of hijackings occur in driveways. Herbert advises heightened awareness when returning home. "Be particularly vigilant while returning home, looking out for any cars that appear to be following you. If you do suspect this, drive around the block again to see if they are following you." If the suspicion persists, proceed to a safe location, such as a busy shopping centre with visible security and CCTV cameras.
To minimise risk, avoid coming to a complete stop in your driveway if other vehicles are nearby. If you have an automatic gate, stop parallel to the gate on the road, providing yourself with an escape route. Once the gate is fully open, drive in, stop on the other side, and wait for it to close completely. The National Hijacking Prevention Academy (NHPA) warns against being followed onto your property, as this could escalate into a house robbery.
Motorists should also exercise caution after shopping trips, as hijackers often target individuals returning home from retail locations. "Don’t be the typical victim, because that’s who they want you to be, and they watch for people who are like that," Herbert warns.
Navigating Tricky Situations: Bumps, Bogus Police, and Intersections
The NHPA advises caution if your vehicle is bumped from behind. If the impact is minor and you suspect a potential threat, signal to the vehicle behind you to follow you to a safe location, such as a petrol station or police station.
Similarly, if followed by a vehicle displaying a blue light, reduce your speed, activate your hazard lights, and indicate that they should follow you to a police station. The NHPA strongly advises against driving home under such circumstances. "Your intentions must be very clear and understandable," they emphasise.
Herbert highlights the dangers at intersections, noting that drivers often become distracted, using their phones instead of paying attention to their surroundings. He recommends minimising stationary time by coasting slowly towards red lights. When stopping is unavoidable, leave ample space for escape and remain aware of potential escape routes.
Facing the Worst: What to Do During a Hijacking
In the unfortunate event of a hijacking, Herbert's primary advice is simple: "Don’t try to be a hero." Resist the urge to imitate actions seen in viral videos. Throwing your keys into the bush when boxed in is a dangerous and potentially fatal mistake.
Remember that hijackers may be under the influence of substances and are likely nervous. Avoid sudden movements.
Herbert advises unfastening your seatbelt with your left hand, keeping your right hand visible, as it is less likely to be holding a weapon. Gently guide the seatbelt back towards the clip to prevent it from snapping back. Leave the car running, unless instructed otherwise. Open the door and exit, moving as far away from the vehicle as possible.
Protecting Your Children
If a child is in the vehicle, you may reach between the seats to retrieve them, or exit the vehicle and open the rear door. Step into the vehicle with your right leg and lean across to reach your child, the NHPA advises.
Hawks spokesperson Lucy Sekgotodi stresses the importance of prioritising life above all else: "Remember, your life is worth more than your vehicle." She further advises, "Do not antagonise or aggravate the hijacker(s). Do not resist. Avoid making eye contact, the hijacker may perceive this as a threat."
By remaining vigilant, adopting preventative measures, and knowing how to react in a hijacking situation, motorists can significantly increase their chances of survival on South Africa's roads.
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