This post was published on Nov 13, 2025 | Updated on Apr 1, 2026
Hijackings and car theft are still making headlines in South Africa, but rather than stir up fear or anxiety, we’d like to put your mind at ease with some WYZE safety tips. Getting behind the wheel should be fun (at the very most, a bit of a shlep), and not something that causes you any worry. The good news? By staying alert and paying attention to the red flags we outline below, you can reduce how vulnerable you, and your vehicle, are to theft or hijacking.
At iWYZE, we believe that peace of mind is priceless. If you do experience vehicle theft, having the right insurance means your loss or damages are supported by the right cover!
Hijackings and Car Theft Can Happen
South Africa still experiences relatively high levels of vehicle hijacking and theft. The South African Police Service (SAPS) continues to identify carjacking as a crime category of concern in its official crime statistics releases, and while incidents do fluctuate year to year, the risk remains a reality for many motorists on our roads.
According to the latest publicly available SAPS quarterly crime statistics, 4,420 carjackings were recorded nationally between October and December 2025.
Recent SAPS data also shows that hijackings tend to be concentrated in specific provinces and policing areas. In this same reporting period, Gauteng recorded the highest number of carjacking incidents, followed by KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
At station level, several urban policing areas appear consistently among the highest contributors to carjacking incidents. These include Kempton Park, Pretoria West, Jeppe, Lingelethu-West, Tembisa and Ivory Park, among others. These figures suggest that vehicle hijackings are often concentrated in busy urban areas and major transport routes, where traffic volumes and vehicle activity are high.
What this tells us is that hijackers do not only go after luxury vehicles. In many cases, everyday driving situations carry risk, especially in high-traffic environments. That’s why staying aware of your surroundings, taking a few sensible precautions, and having the right insurance in place can go a long way in covering your vehicle and your peace of mind.
But, there’s good news! Reduce your risk by adopting a few simple safety habits.
Step One: Avoid These Red Flags
Make the WYZE move by knowing what to look for. Here are five common warning signs:
- Strange cars tailing you: If you notice the same vehicle following you for more than a few turns, don’t drive home. Head to a busy petrol station (your favourite local garage is perfect) or the closest police station instead.
- Bumping tricks: Some hijackers may try to force you to stop by lightly colliding with your vehicle. If this happens in an area that feels unsafe, continue driving to a secure, well-lit location before stopping.
- Blocked driveways: Hijackings have been known to take place as drivers arrive home. Stay alert when approaching your gate and be aware of your surroundings.
- Unexpected roadside situations: Be cautious about stopping for unfamiliar roadside incidents, especially in isolated areas. Rather contact roadside assistance or the police if you are concerned.
- Unfamiliar loiterers: People lingering near your parking spot or gate could be watching your movements. Trust your instincts and don’t ignore that uneasy not-so-lekker feeling.
Let’s Get Practical: Staying Safe
Making the WYZE move means you’re prepared. As for these simple habits? They can make all the difference:
- Stay alert, not distracted. Put your phone away when driving or waiting at traffic lights.
- Leave space. Keep a car-length gap when you are stopped so you have room to manoeuvre if necessary.
- Vary your routes. Don’t drive the exact same way home every day, it makes it harder for criminals to track your movements.
- Check your surroundings. Before unlocking your car or pulling into your driveway, scan for anything that looks out of the ordinary.
- Keep valuables out of sight. Store your handbag or laptop under your seat or in your boot, away from view.
- Secure your home approach. If possible, install lighting and automated gates to make entering your property safer.
- Know who to call. Save emergency numbers in your phone (partner or sib-from-another-crib on speed dial), and share your location with loved ones if you feel uneasy.
- If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and drive to a police station or another safe, busy location before stopping.
Why Insurance Matters
No matter how careful you are, hijackings and theft can still happen. The emotional impact is real, but the financial impact doesn’t have to add to your stress.
With iWYZE car insurance, you have a trusted partner who understands South African realities. We get how hard you’ve worked for your car, and what it means to be able to take your child to school, or get yourself to work, safely. So we’re here to help. With iWYZE, you can recover quickly if your car is stolen or written off, rather than being left stranded or financially stretched. That way, you can focus on what truly matters: your safety and peace of mind.
Stay WYZE with iWYZE
South African roads demand vigilance, but they don’t have to steal your confidence. By staying alert, trusting your instincts, and knowing you’ve got a safety net with iWYZE, you can navigate the risks with resilience.
Don’t wait until disaster strikes, be WYZE today. Explore iWYZE’s car insurance solutions and drive with confidence, knowing we’ve got your back.
