The Rising Epidemic of Hijackings in SA | How to avoid being hijacked and what to do if you fall victim

With over 20,000 vehicle hijackings taking place in South Africa each year, which is approximately 60 per day, remaining vigilant is not simply a good idea, it’s a necessary survival strategy.

Around half of all hijackings take place in Gauteng, with a higher percentage reported on Fridays between 4pm and 8pm, according to Tracker. 

Paying attention to your surroundings and avoiding behaviours that make you a target can be instrumental in reducing your risk of being hijacked, according to experts. It’s also important to know what to do in the unfortunate event that you are approached by hijackers.

“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,” Eugene Herbert, CEO of MasterDrive, told IOL.

70% of hijackings take place in driveways 

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, Herbert advises. If they are still on your tail, drive to a place you deem safe, such as a busy shopping area with security and cameras.

It is also important to avoid coming to a dead stop in your driveway if there are other vehicles in the vicinity, Herbert says. This may be impossible if you live on a busy road, but that in itself would probably lower your risk in any case.

If your gate is automatic, stop in the road parallel to the gate, if possible, to give yourself an escape route. Once the gate is fully open, turn in, stop on the other side of the gate, and wait for it to close. It is advisable to avoid being followed into your property, as a hijacking could turn into a house robbery, the National Hijacking Prevention Academy (NHPA) warns.

Motorists should also be particularly mindful after shopping trips as it is naturally assumed that a person returns home afterward.

“Don’t be the typical victim, because that’s who they want you to be, and they watch for people who are like that,” MasterDrive’s Eugene Herbert added.

What if you get bumped from behind?

If your vehicle is bumped lightly from behind, don’t pull over immediately, the NHPA advises.

If the bump wasn’t hard enough to have damaged the vehicle, and you feel that there might be a threat, indicate to the vehicle behind you to follow you to a place of safety such as a petrol station or police station.

What if you suspect bogus police?

If you’re followed by a vehicle with a blue light it’s best to reduce your speed, switch on emergency lights, and indicate that they must follow you to a safe place such as a police station (your intentions must be very clear and understandable).

Do not, under any circumstances, drive home, the NHPA warns.

Be vigilant at intersections

Herbert said one of the key problems is that people tend to be busy and distracted at intersections, often checking their phones rather than focusing on their surroundings.

In addition to being vigilant, and checking your mirrors, he suggests minimising the amount of time you’re stationary by coasting slowly towards red lights. When you are forced to stop, try to leave space to escape, where possible, and be mindful of potential escape routes.

What to do if you are hijacked?

The number one survival tip, according to Herbert, is: don’t try to be a hero. Just because you saw someone else foiling a hijacking on a viral CCTV video, doesn’t mean you’ll escape with your life. What’s more, throwing your keys into the bush if you are boxed in, is tantamount to suicide.

That said, even the most vigilant and mindful of motorists can fall victim to a hijacking and it’s important to know what to do in this worst-case scenario where there simply is no way of escaping.

It is important to keep in mind that perpetrators could be under the influence of mind-altering substances and they are likely nervous, so avoid any sudden movements.

Firstly, unfasten your seatbelt with your left hand, Herbert advises, as the right hand is usually the one that handles weapons. Your right hand should remain visible.

With your thumb under the seatbelt, undo it and lead the belt back towards the clip so that it doesn’t suddenly pull back and hit the window. 

Leave the car running, unless you are instructed to do otherwise.

Then open the door and exit, keeping in mind that he could be pulling on it already, and back off along the car, moving as far away as possible.

What if your child is in the vehicle?

If you have a child in the vehicle, you may want to reach through between the seats to retrieve the child, or if you don’t feel comfortable doing this, you may exit the vehicle and open the door behind you immediately. Step into the vehicle with your right leg and foot and lean across to retrieve your child, the NHPA said.

“Remember, your life is worth more than your vehicle,” Hawks’ spokesperson Lucy Sekgotodi.

“Do not antagonise or aggravate the hijacker(s). Do not resist. Avoid making eye contact, the hijacker may perceive this as a threat,” Sekgotodi added.

IOL