Help! I’ve Been Hijacked!

South Africa, sadly, boasts some of the highest hijacking rates in the world. In the first quarter of 2023 alone, 5,488 cars were hijacked – an average of more than 60 vehicles per day. 

Even more alarmingly, the SAPS reported a 14% increase in hijackings between April and June 2022 compared to the previous year.  The provinces of Gauteng, the North West, the Western Cape and certain hotspots in KZN are particularly high risk.

These statistics paint a frightening picture, but knowledge is power, and that’s what this blog from EMERGIVAC is about! We want to empower you with a better understanding of car hijacking, and how to take common-sense steps to reduce these risks. 

What to Do During a Hijacking

Your top priority during a hijacking is to survive! Please bear the following very important points in mind:

• Stay Calm: Remaining calm is crucial as it can stop the situation from escalating. Don’t get angry and confrontational – this can spur the hijackers on to violence.
• Comply with Demands: This goes against the grain, but it’s vital to give the hijackers what they want – your car, keys, belongings. Do so slowly and without sudden movements. 
• Avoid Eye Contact: Direct eye contact can be seen as a challenge, so don’t do it! Focus on gathering details about the perpetrators – their appearance, clothing, voices and general demeanour. This will be vital information for the police.
• Don’t Resist: Though your instinctive reaction might be to fight back, don’t risk it! Your life is more valuable than your car or other possessions.

What to Do Immediately After a Hijacking

1. Call the police: Contact the South African Police Service (SAPS) immediately at 10111 or dial 112 from any cellphone. Provide them with as much detail as possible. Also remember that you will need to get a case number from the police for your insurance company.
2. Activate Your Tracking Device: If your car is equipped with a tracking device, make sure that it is on and notify your service provider.
3. Notify the Owner: If the hijacked vehicle isn’t yours, notify the owner as soon as possible.
4. Find Support: Hijackings are traumatic experiences. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or professionals to help you cope with the emotional aftermath.

Tips for Preventing a Hijacking 

Nobody can assure that they’ll never be hijacked, but there are some sensible steps you can take to reduce your risk:

Be Vigilant at all Times

Train yourself to be aware of your surroundings while you’re driving. Avoid high-risk areas, and only park in well-lit and secure parking spots. Try not to drive late at night, and be aware that peak hijacking times are in the evening, over weekends, and during load shedding. 

Being alert applies to your driveway as well. It needs to be well lit without shrubs that encroach on it. Don’t get out of your car if there are lurkers. Rather alert your security company, activate Emergi-Guard on your EMERGIVAC app, or call the police. Be alert to what’s happening in the street as well. Are there any strangers hanging around, or parked vehicles with strangers in them? 

Vary Your Routes and Routines

Doing so will make you less of a predictable target.

Lock Up 

Keep your car doors locked and windows closed at all times.

Check You’re Not Being Followed

Be aware of the vehicles behind you. Keep emergency numbers, like your security company or the police, handy and don’t hesitate to call them if you’re uneasy. 

Be Alert When Parking  

Take a good look around before getting out of your car. 

Be Alert When Getting into Your Car 

Always have your keys ready beforehand, get in quickly and immediately lock your doors. 

Be Sensible 

Don’t leave valuables like bags, cellphones or briefcases in full view in your car, put them in the boot. 

Stick to a Good Following Distance 

If you stop behind another car, leave enough space to make an emergency escape if necessary.

Emergi-Guard – Your Partner in Safety

While taking sensible precautions to prevent being hijacked is obviously important, it’s vital to have a safety net in place as well. Our Emergi-Guard benefit provides comprehensive crime-related assistance to South African motorists: 

• 24/7 Emergency Response: Our team is ready to help you at any time, day or night.
• Vehicle tracking: Our advanced technology aids in the swift recovery of stolen vehicles.
• Legal and Medical Assistance: We provide access to professional support in the aftermath of a crime.

Hijacking is, unfortunately, an ever-present danger in South Africa. By understanding the risks and taking sensible preventative measures, you can minimise this threat. And by having a reliable partner like EMERGIVAC by your side, you can further protect yourself and your loved ones. 

Our EMERGI-GUARD benefit ensures you of 24/7 armed-response assistance in all the major metro centres in South Africa. It’s like having your own bodyguard 24 hours per day! Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our services and many other benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I do during a car hijacking in South Africa?

During a hijacking, stay calm, comply with the hijackers’ demands, avoid eye contact, and do not resist. Your safety is the top priority.

2. What steps should I take immediately after a hijacking?

After a hijacking, contact the South African Police Service (SAPS), activate your vehicle’s tracking device, notify the vehicle’s owner if it’s not yours, and seek emotional support.

3. How can I prevent being hijacked?

To reduce the risk of hijacking, be vigilant, vary your routes, lock your car doors, check for followers, and stay alert when parking or getting into your vehicle.

4. What are high-risk areas and times for hijackings in South Africa?

High-risk areas include Gauteng, North West, Western Cape, and certain parts of KZN. Peak hijacking times are in the evenings, over weekends, and during load shedding.

5. What is Emergi-Guard, and how does it help in hijacking situations?

Emergi-Guard provides 24/7 emergency response, vehicle tracking, and legal and medical assistance, helping South African motorists stay safe and recover quickly after a hijacking.

6. Why is it important to have a safety net like Emergi-Guard in place?

Having a safety net like Emergi-Guard offers peace of mind with 24/7 armed response and support, ensuring you and your loved ones are protected in the event of a hijacking.