Vehicle hijackings in South Africa continue to pose a significant threat, with a notable shift in the models targeted by criminals. While established favourites like the Volkswagen Polo and Toyota Hilux remain high on the list, the rapid growth in popularity of Chinese automotive brands has introduced new vehicles to the risk profile. Security experts are warning of a potential surge in hijackings in the coming months, following a seasonal dip during the December 2024 holiday period.
Seasonal Trends and Underlying Economics
According to the Fidelity Services Group, hijackings experienced a 27.3% decrease between November and December 2024. This decline is attributed to organised crime syndicates temporarily scaling back operations during the festive season. However, this reprieve is expected to be short-lived, with hijackings anticipated to increase from late January, peaking in February and March, and experiencing further spikes in August and November. This pattern underscores the economic drivers behind vehicle theft – hijackers target vehicles based on their resale value and the demand for parts in the illicit market.
The surge in popularity of Chinese automotive brands, particularly Chery and Haval, has created a new dynamic. These vehicles, experiencing exponential sales growth in 2024, are now increasingly becoming targets for criminal syndicates. The Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Haval H6, and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro have all been identified as “new entries” on the list of most hijacked vehicles.
The Top 9 Most Targeted Vehicles in 2025
Based on data compiled through early 2025, the following nine vehicles are considered to be at the highest risk of hijacking in South Africa:
- Volkswagen Polo
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Fortuner
- Haval Jolion
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
- Haval H6
- Chery Tiggo 7 Pro
The continued presence of Toyota and Volkswagen models on this list reflects their enduring popularity and high resale value. The Toyota Hilux, South Africa’s best-selling bakkie, and the Volkswagen Polo, a consistently popular hatchback, are frequently targeted due to their widespread presence on the roads and the ease with which they can be resold or stripped for parts. The Toyota Fortuner’s compatibility with the Toyota Quantum, a vehicle often targeted for parts, also contributes to its high-risk status.
Expanding List of High-Risk Vehicles
Data from July 2024, as reported by The South African, expands the list of vehicles frequently targeted by hijackers to thirteen. This broader list includes:
- BMW 3 Series
- Ford Ranger
- Hyundai i20
- Nissan NP200
- Toyota Corolla Cross
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Etios
- Toyota Fortuner (GD6 and D4D)
- Toyota Hilux (GD6 and D4D)
- Toyota Prado
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota RAV 4
- VW Polo (especially hatchbacks)
The inclusion of models like the BMW 3 Series and Toyota Land Cruiser highlights the diverse range of vehicles targeted by hijackers, extending beyond purely budget-friendly options. The Toyota RAV 4 and Corolla Cross have seen a marked increase in risk since their respective launches in November 2021, demonstrating how quickly new models can become targets as their prevalence on the roads grows.
The Impact of Market Trends
The changing landscape of car theft is directly linked to market trends. The rapid rise of Chinese automakers in South Africa has created a new pool of potential targets. As brands like Chery and GWM gain market share, their vehicles become more visible and, more attractive to criminals. This trend was first identified by security firms in mid-2024, coinciding with the exponential sales growth of these brands.
The demand for specific vehicles is driven by the black market, where parts and entire vehicles are sold illegally. Hijackers are adept at identifying models with high resale value or those with parts that are in high demand. This economic logic dictates which vehicles are targeted, and the evolving automotive market in South Africa is constantly reshaping the risk profile.
As South Africa grapples with increasing vehicle hijackings, understanding these trends is crucial for both vehicle owners and security professionals. The data suggests that vigilance and proactive security measures are more important than ever, particularly for owners of the vehicles identified as being at high risk.
