These Are The Top 5 Hijacking Hotspots In KwaZulu-Natal

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TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”

• Umlazi, Bhekithemba, Durban Central, and Inanda are KwaZulu-Natal’s top hijacking hotspots.
• The top hijacked vehicles are the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Ranger,  Toyota Hilux, Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Fortuner, Haval H6, Haval Jolion, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.
• Hijacking incidents typically occur between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. during peak traffic periods.
• Most hijackings take place on Thursdays and Fridays in cities such as Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
• Criminals use tactics like fake roadblocks, imitating police officers, bump-and-rob or follow you home.
• Stay alert, diversify and plan your route, and insure your car against theft and hijackings. Pineapple’s comprehensive cover starts from just R19-ish a day.

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Hijacking Hotspots in KwaZulu-Natal

There are certain seedy parts of our country one may want to try and avoid. However, this may not always be possible; you might have pressing business in the area or maybe simply passing by. 

Either way, it’s possible to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. In KZN, the aforementioned danger zones, a.k.a ‘hijacking hotspots (in no particular order)’, are:

• Bhekithemba. A hijacking hotspot due to informal settlements and quick escape routes. (41 incidents from January 2024 to March 2024, and 47 incidents from January 2025 to March 2025).
• Inanda. The northern Durban township has frequent stops at traffic lights on the N2, leaving motorists vulnerable to attacks. 
• Marianhill. The area has reported frequent hijackings where the ‘boxing in’ method is used (using another car to block your path at a stop).
• Umlazi. The biggest township in KwaZulu-Natal has hotspots that include off-ramps to the N2. (63 incidents from January 2024 to March 2024, and 64 incidents from January 2025 to March 2025).
• Durban Central. This busy urban hub is a frequent target for car thieves due to the dense population.

According to SAPS, townships accounted for the large majority of carjacking cases, followed by urban suburbs, while rural areas/villages came in a distant third.

Chief Executive Officer of the Fidelity Services group, Wahl Bartmann, noted that these incidents usually occur between 06:00 and 19:00 during peak traffic periods, with most hijackings happening on Thursdays and Fridays.

Why KZN Is a Hijacking Hotspot

Between January and March 2025, Natal experienced 583 carjacking incidents, which was 202 fewer than the previous year. 

And while that decrease is a welcome change, it still makes KZN the second-worst-affected province, only after Gauteng (2,488 carjackings in 2025).

Source: SAPS Crime Stats Q1 2025.

KwaZulu-Natal is characterised by a large urban population, major ports, and access to highways, as well as economic disparities, which make it a prime target for hijacking.

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Common Hijacking Tactics

The lengths criminals are going to now to relieve you of your vehicle can closely rival a Hollywood production. The staging, the acting and the dramatics; hijackers have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods of preying on unsuspecting motorists. 

That’s why it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with common hijacking tactics so as not to fall victim to them.

• Boxing in

Hijackers use another vehicle, often with multiple occupants, to box you in, thereby restricting your escape routes. This can happen when parking, at a traffic light, or even while driving at slower speeds. Once trapped, it becomes easier for them to confront you and take control of the vehicle. This method is also popularly used to prey on motorists by blocking their driveways as they arrive home.

• Bump-and-Rob. 

Carjackers may intentionally bump into the rear of a vehicle, and when the driver exits to assess damage, they use the opportunity to hijack the car.

• Pretending to be police officers

One of the more sinister methods involves impersonators posing as law enforcement or other official entities. They might signal you to pull over, using counterfeit uniforms and vehicles to gain your trust. Once you comply, they reveal their true criminal intentions.

• Follow-Home. 

Drivers are followed from shopping centres, work or airports to their homes, where car thieves confront them. Pay attention to the vehicles behind you, especially as you slow down approaching your destination. If you suspect you’re being followed, drive past your house and go around the block to see if that’s really the case.

• Distractions

This could be someone feigning distress, selling goods, or even approaching your vehicle under the pretence of needing assistance. Another tactic is gently bumping you from behind. While you get out to assess the damage or exchange insurance details, this presents a golden opportunity for the hijacker to strike, especially if you haven’t adequately surveyed your surroundings.

• Obstacles in the road

A calculated scheme involves placing obstacles (like debris or abandoned baby car seats) in the roadway, forcing you to stop. The goal is to exploit your natural response to halt, making it easier for the hijackers to approach and take control of the vehicle.

Armed with this knowledge, you can give yourself a proactive mindset. Always scan your environment and trust your instincts when something feels off. And definitely don’t hesitate to drive to the nearest police station if you’re being followed. 

Which Cars are High-Risk Vehicles in KZN?

High-risk vehicles are popular car models that hijackers frequently target. This is due to the high demand for their parts or resale value, often through illicit markets.

Popular brands like Toyota, Volkswagen, and Ford have been the most frequently targeted vehicles. But the rise of Chinese automakers in South Africa’s market has introduced new targets.

According to an article by BusinessTech, the most popular car brands on hijackers’ lists are:

• Volkswagen Polo
•  Ford Ranger
• Toyota Hilux
• Toyota Corolla Cross
• Toyota Fortuner
• Haval Jolion
• Haval H6
• Chery Tiggo 4 Pro
• Chery Tiggo 7 Pro

These high-risk vehicles are often targeted due to their durability, high resale value, reliability and off-road appeal.

Safety Tips to Prevent Hijackings in KZN

1. Always scan your surroundings and be vigilant. Never let your guard down, especially in known hijacking hotspots or during high-risk times such as early mornings or late evenings.
2. Plan your route. By varying your routes and travel times, you become less predictable, making it harder for hijackers to plan an attack or ambush you.
3. Ensure your car’s central locking system functions correctly. As basic as this might seem, always double-check that all doors are locked and windows are properly shut.
4. Keep a sufficient distance from the next car. When you come to a stop behind another vehicle, make sure you can see its rear wheels. This spacing ensures you have an escape route should you need to manoeuvre at a moment’s notice.
5. Hide your valuables. If you need to communicate while driving, invest in hands-free tools. Visible phone use can attract potential hijackers, so it’s wise to be discreet.
6. Avoid distractions. Avoid activities that might divert your attention from your surroundings, like checking your phone, adjusting the GPS, or changing radio stations while stationary.
7. Always double-check that your car’s locked before walking away. Criminals often use remote devices to interfere with car alarms or locking systems, especially in public parking areas.
8. Install a tracking device. So, no, having a tracker will not prevent carjackers from getting their hands on your vehicle. However, it will make locating it a whole lot easier.

A bonus tip is to be cautious when using navigation apps. 

Navigation tools and technology have come a long way, but they’re still known to occasionally get things wrong. 

For example, a navigator’s primary purpose is to direct you to your destination in the least amount of time. However, some shortcuts may take you through crime-riddled, hijacking hotspot areas, thereby risking your safety.

What to Do If Your Car Is Hijacked

Few things are as traumatic as being involved in a hijacking, but knowing what actions to take during the ordeal can increase your chances of staying safe.

Here’s what to do if your car is hijacked:

1. Try to remain as calm as possible, given the current situation. Hijackers are also nervous, and a calm demeanour might prevent the situation from escalating.
2. Comply with the hijackers’ demands. Give them what they want, and do it slowly; that way, they know you’re not a threat. Another way to let them know you mean no harm is by averting your gaze.
3. Try your best to remember distinguishing features, tattoos, scars, or even the sound of their voice, as this can help the police later.
4. Once safe, call the South African Police Service (SAPS) on 08600 10111. SAPS will arrive on the scene and dispatch medical services if needed. You can phone 112 on any cellular network if you require any other emergency numbers.
5. If your vehicle has a tracking device, remote, or panic button, activate it once you are at a safe distance. Alternatively, contact your tracking company to report the incident.

It’s essential to note that some insurance providers have terms and conditions that require the installation of a tracking device in the vehicle. 

Without a tracker, the likelihood of your claim being approved decreases. This is because if your policy explicitly states that a tracking device is required, driving without it will void the contract.  

So, those insurance policy documents you’ve been ignoring? It’s time to get reading.

How Insurance Can Help After a Hijacking

Pineapple’s comprehensive car insurance coverage includes protection against theft and hijacking. Valid hijacking claims are paid out using the car’s current retail value, making it easy to afford a replacement. 

For financed vehicles, you can add credit shortfall cover to bridge the gap between the car’s insured value and what you owe to the financer/bank.

Get a quote in just 90 seconds and start your cover in 5 minutes or less. Cover starts from just R19-ish a day!

FAQs About Hijacking in KwaZulu-Natal

1. What are the top hijacking hotspots in KZN?
   The top hijacking hotspots in KwaZulu-Natal in 2025 are Bhekithemba, Inanda, Marianhill, Umlazi, and Durban Central.
   
   
2. How can I prevent a car hijacking?
   Lock your car doors, vary your route, and stay vigilant during peak times (6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.).
   
   
3. What should I do if my car is hijacked?
   Avoid escalating the situation; a car is replaceable, your life is not. Calmly comply, handing over car keys and whatever else the carjackers demand. Once you manage to get to safety, call the police (08600 10111) and alert your insurer and the tracking company.
   
   
4. Which cars are most at risk in KZN?
   The Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Ranger, Haval Jolion, and Chery Tiggo 4 Pro top the list of KwaZulu-Natal’s most high-risk vehicles for hijacking.

Final Thoughts + Get Protected with Pineapple

In the face of ever-increasing hijackings, especially in areas like KwaZulu-Natal, preparation is more vital than ever. By staying informed, you eliminate fear and uncertainty and instead empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate potential risks.

KZN’s roads don’t need to be a source of anxiety. With awareness and the right car insurance, you can breathe easier knowing you’re comprehensively protected.

Remember, it’s not just about insuring your car; it’s about securing peace of mind.

‍Pineapple’s seamless, user-friendly process is perfect for today’s digital era and ensures that, should the worst happen, you have a safety net to fall back on. 

And besides, driving without Pineapple coverage is like trying to make a pineapple smoothie without any pineapples; your efforts will be fruitless.

Please Note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.

Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.