Here’s how many private security guards there are in South Africa and what they earn. Private security officers in South Africa are paid according to their roles and responsibilities.
The Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority has published illustrative contract pricing guidelines which are set to take effect from March 2022, providing an overview of what security guards can earn in South Africa.
Data from the regulator shows that there are over 2.4 million registered security officers across the country, with just under a million in Gauteng alone. The country has a total of 11,372 registered security businesses.
Being a registered security officer does not equate to employment, and PSIRA’s data shows that far fewer security officers are actively employed (564,540) across the country. The vast majority of these security officers are male (438,015) with just over 200,000 working security guards located in Gauteng alone.
What security guards earn
The new contract circular published by PSIRA this week gives a broad overview of what security guards can earn in South Africa.
However, it should be noted that these are not finalised and that a security guard can earn substantially more depending on which security company they work for.
The wage ranges from R4,805 – R5,986 a month depending on their role and the geographical area they work in. This works out to an annual salary of between R57,660 – R71,832.
Private security officers in South Africa are paid according to the roles and responsibilities they have. Guards are therefore graded between A and E based on the type of duty they perform.
Grade
Function
Grade A
Primary function would normally be a site manager or commander. Controlling and managing a number of functions. Managing the security workforce. Conducting risk assessments and evaluations on site daily. Basic investigative skills. Problem-solving. Designing security solutions.
Grade B
Primary function is access control in high-risk areas where documentation and basic computer skills might be required. A site or shift commander. Managing of lower grade security officers. Possible inspector doing site visits.
Grade C
Primary function is access control of a higher risk area and supervision of lower grade security officers
Grade D & E
Primary function is access control, or patrol officers
Pay is further separated into regional areas, with more densely populated regions typically paying higher amounts.
Area
Covers
Areas 1 & Area 2
Alberton, Bellville, Benoni, Boksburg, Bloemfontein, Brakpan, Camperdown, Chatsworth, Durban, East London, Germiston, Goodwood, Inanda, Johannesburg, Kempton Park, Kimberley, Klerksdorp, Krugersdorp, Kuils River, Mitchell’s Plain, Nigel, Oberholzer, Paarl, Pietermaritzburg, Pinetown, Port Elizabeth, Pretoria, Randburg, Randfontein, Roodepoort, Sasolburg, Simon’s Town, Somerset West, Springs, Stellenbosch, Strand, The Cape, Uitenhage, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging, Westonaria, Wonderboom and Wynberg
Area 3
All other areas
The rate of pay differs across South Africa in the following brackets.
What is your view of the number of private security guards in South Africa? Do you think we have enough security guards? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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Speaking to the SABC, the institute’s Dr Johan Burger said house and business robberies are already increasing, and there are fears that the same will happen with other criminal activities.
“Load shedding is just another opportunity which criminals are already exploiting, and they will continue to exploit. We will see a rise in crime such as burglary and other crimes such as house and business robbery. They will be able to follow load shedding schedules.”
Security experts have also warned citizens to expect increased crime in the coming months due to relaxed Covid-19 lockdown restrictions and a busy festive season.
A research assistant at the UCT Centre of Criminology, Annie Kok, said that the number of criminal incidents increased by more than 50% in Q3 and Q4 2020, following a similar easing in restrictions.
Kok said that the only way this can be combatted is through sophisticated intelligence, actionable strategies and coordination of all stakeholders.
Fidelity Services Group chief executive Whal Bartmann said that the company is preparing for increasing incidents, including additional backup forces and air support.
South Africa reported a shock increase in crime statistics in Q1 2021/2022, with a significant increase in cases reported across several crime categories.
Police minister Bheki Cele said that the double-digit increase in most crime categories was attributable to the adjusted lockdown levels and distorted crime trends.
The police minister said that while the country had seen a ‘holiday from crime’ during the higher level 5, 4 and 3 lockdowns, the move to lighter restrictions had led to ‘exaggeratedly high’ crime levels.
“While we will not sweep the high and unnatural figures under the carpet, we will instead bring to the fore a holistic picture of comparing the 2021/2022 Q1 crime figures to a ‘normal period’ two years ago where there was no lockdown.”
What is your view of the increased load shedding in South Africa? Do you think it will have an impact on you and your family’s safety at home and on the roads? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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We share tips to prevent snatching as summer is upon us, the start of the silly season is imminent and many people might be inclined to let their guard down.
However, don’t become so festive or relaxed that you become careless about security. It only takes a moment for a mobile phone, wallet or bag to be snatched away in public or in a smash and grab situation. Remain safety conscious by keeping the following tips in mind:
In The Car
A smash and grab robbery is a common technique that criminals employ. These robberies are committed at any time of the day, in busy intersections or quiet streets, when a vehicle is at a standstill or in slow-moving traffic, or when a vehicle is parked. The perpetrators choose spots with easy access and escape and they use the element of surprise to their advantage. On the road, they often work in teams to distract motorists or to inform accomplices positioned down the road of easy targets.
Valuables are better kept out of sight, in the boot or under the seats. While driving, rather stay off your mobile phone until you reach your destination. Not only is it illegal to use your phone while you are driving, but it sets you up as an easy target while your attention is diverted from the road and your surroundings.
Always keep the car doors locked and windows closed. If you need the windows open due to the heat, it is even more important to have your valuables out of sight and reach. With the window open you are more vulnerable to attack and your valuables being snatched from you. You’re an easy target if you’re sitting in your car with the window down and your phone in your hand or pressed to your ear.
“Criminals are most likely to strike when you least expect it, so pay attention no matter where you are for your safety and wellbeing,” says Duma Ngcobo, Chief Operating Officer at Tracker. “Should an incident occur, don’t struggle for your valuables and try to get away as quickly as possible. If you feel that you are likely to be compromised and your valuables snatched from you, consider subscribing to services that will help get you back on track.”
Out And About
No matter where you go or what you do, it’s important to be attentive, so that you don’t miss out on life’s special moments, but also to keep safe. Always be aware of your surroundings while you are out. This will help you to avoid a dangerous situation.
Don’t carry too much cash or valuables on your person and keep these items out of sight. Leave unnecessary bank or store cards at home.
Walking
Whether you’re out on the street or in a mall, be vigilant of who might be watching you or following you. Try to avoid quiet places or spots where someone could be hiding.
If you’re carrying a bag, keep one hand on a strap so that if someone tries to grab it from behind, you still have a hold on it. Also, make sure that all the pockets are properly closed. If you don’t have a bag, keep your wallet or purse and phone in the front pocket of your jacket or trousers. Avoid walking around with your phone in your hand as this makes it easier to snatch. Attackers are relying on you being distracted and vulnerable, so don’t talk on your phone while walking.
Shopping
Inside a mall, avoid darkened hallways and quiet areas, especially near closing time. Avoid using bathrooms that are tucked away in a back area of a mall concourse or department. If you can, find a bathroom near the mall’s food court or other well-trafficked areas. Never leave a bag in a trolley or pram, rather carry it on you. Save your most expensive purchases for last, so you can head straight home.
At A Restaurant
If you have a bag, place it on your lap while at a restaurant or on a bag clip underneath the table, but make sure that you can see it. If you must place it on the floor, put one leg through the strap so that it can’t be taken from you. Also, make sure that no one could subtly reach into a pocket and remove the items stored there. Avoid leaving your phone, wallet or purse on the table while seated. Rather put these items away.
Tables that are on or near a sidewalk are particularly vulnerable spots, as they provide easy access and a quick getaway.
Have you ever been a victim of snatching? Do you have any advice to share with readers on how to prevent or deal with snatching and do you think the above tips will help people and increase their safety? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet has approved the Criminal Law Amendment Bill of 2021 for processing in parliament.
In a media briefing on Thursday (4 November), minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele said that the bill will provide for ‘forensic procedures’ and will enforce the taking of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from offenders convicted of schedule 8 criminal offences.
Gungubele said that schedule 8 offences include, amongst others:
Sexual offences;
Robbery;
Human trafficking;
Culpable homicide.
“The collected buccal sample will facilitate future prosecutions for re-offenders. The bill will also enable the establishment of a comprehensive DNA database to strengthen the fight against crime by capacitating the police with evidence to investigate and solve serious crimes,” Gungubele said.
Controversial history
First announced in 2017, the bill provides for the taking of specified bodily samples (buccal samples) from schedule 8 offenders for DNA analysis. The DNA profiles are then stored in the National Forensic DNA Database (NFDD).
However, the government has also controversiallyconsidered taking DNA from children at birth to develop a more comprehensive database.
In a November 2019 parliamentary Q&A, minister of police Bheki Cele said that he had requested that the bill be put on hold to “allow a process to investigate the possibility of all citizens of the country to be buccally sampled, including infants at birth, for identification purposes”.
These buccal samples would then, within the amended legal framework, be used for comparison during forensic criminal investigations, he said.
“For this purpose, I have sent a letter to the then Minister of Home Affairs Dr Siyabonga Cwele, to request the minister to consider the proposal of extending the buccal sampling requirement to all citizens of the country since the matter falls within the exclusive mandate of the Department of Home Affairs as the lead department in the registration of births and identification of citizens and non-citizens of the country,” he said at the time.
More details around the updated Criminal Law Amendment Bill of 2021 are expected to be made available when it begins formal parliamentary processing.
What’s your view of these new approved Criminal Law Amendment Bill? Do you think it will make South Africa a safer country? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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We recommend these 21 things that should always be in your car because although we hope that your vehicle doesn’t leave you stranded on the side of the road, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and be ready just in case.
Be prepared. There’s a reason why the Boy Scouts adopted this simple motto, which can apply to all areas of life. And one area where it’s crucial to be prepared is in your car, because regardless of how reliable your vehicle is, it will inevitably break down and you’ll likely be far from the comforts of home when it does. To help drivers prepare for all unexpected scenarios, we’ve developed a helpful guide of things to keep in your car. These essential items could make all the difference when ensuring your breakdown is benign versus catastrophic. Some of these items will help you travel more comfortably during your day-to-day driving as well.
Up-to-Date Vehicle Licence Disk
We’ll start with the obvious one here. You’ll need a current vehicle licence disk clearly displayed on your front windscreen. In the off-chance that you’re in an accident, you will need proof of your vehicle registration. If you don’t have that proof, you can receive an infringement fine. If your vehicle registration isn’t current, you can be pulled over for having an expired vehicle licence. Always be aware of when your registration is set to expire, and make sure you renew it before that happens.
Insurance Details
It is a necessity should you ever get in an accident. Proof of insurance varies with your insurance company and can be in the form of an ID card or in a document. It must contain your policy number, effective dates, your vehicle description and VIN, and name of the policyholder. Online versions of these documents are also available, so you can save them on your phone for easy retrieval instead of keeping the physical version in your glove compartment. However, we recommend having a physical version handy along with the electronic version.
Owner’s Manual
Another item that should be a mainstay in your glove box is your car’s owner’s manual. This will include helpful information like what your tire pressure should be and what certain warning lights mean. You never know when you’ll need it, so you should always have it accessible. Modern cars often include a digital version of the owner’s manual, but just like registration, we recommend a paper copy as backup, and you can often request these from the manufacturer or a site like Helminc.com.
Spare Tire/Tire Jack
Make sure your spare tire is always properly inflated and your tire jack is in proper working order.
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of the roads, waiting to take a nice big chunk out of one of your tires, or poke something really sharp into one. Unless your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires, these occurrences can quickly put an end to your travel plans. So, unless you want to pay a tow truck to come and haul your vehicle to the nearest service station, you’ll want to make sure your spare tire is always properly inflated (something you can ask any shop to do whenever your vehicle is in for service), and your tire jack is in proper working order. You should also have the correct tools to change a tire, including a lug wrench. AAA members can call to have their tire replaced with their spare, though you will likely have to wait a long time.
Tire Pressure Gauge
Keeping with the tire theme is a tire safety gauge. While modern vehicles have warning indicators to let you know if your pressure is low, it’s important to have a tire pressure gauge to ensure you fill your tire up to the correct PSI. You can also go a step further and have a portable tire inflator so you never have to rely on air from a gas station.
Jumper Cables/Emergency Road Kit
A set of jumper cables are a necessity, especially in the winter months
Did you know some car batteries only last for two years? While three to four years is the norm for battery life, a dead battery can come without warning, especially during the winter months. While jumper cables are a necessity, the full emergency road kit is a strong recommendation. Most emergency kits, which can be purchased on Amazon or at any big-box retail store, will come with a small array of tools, such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers, as well as road flares, fluorescent reflective triangles, hose tape, and those jumper cables. The jumper cables will come in extremely handy if you have a habit of leaving your headlights or dome lights on. Either thing can drain the life from your battery in as little as a few hours depending on the age and strength of your vehicle’s battery.
Blankets
This may seem like a silly thing to have in your car, especially in South Africa; but blankets come in handy for more than just keeping you warm. Say you break down on a road that’s covered in dirt, gravel, mud, grime, or some sticky substance you dare not guess about. Laying a blanket down to get on the ground and see what’s wrong, or simply to change a tire, can save your clothes, knees, and back a whole lot of trouble. Of course, there’s always the keeping warm thing, too, if you live in an area where it gets cold.
Flashlight
Some of those emergency road kits we talked about earlier do come with a flashlight; however, most don’t. A flashlight will not only come in handy if you happen to break down at night and need to see under your hood or around your car, but it’s also very handy for keeping oncoming traffic away from your vehicle if you don’t happen to have road flares or markers. A flashlight can also come in extremely handy if a passenger needs to find something in the vehicle at night while you’re driving. Driving with the dome light on is still illegal in most states. Just make sure you check the batteries in it often.
First Aid Kit
In times of crisis, a first aid kit can literally be a lifesaver. This one should need no explanation whatsoever. If you’re bleeding, a spare tire isn’t going to do much for you, but band aids will.
Cell Phone Charger
Having a dedicated phone charger that remains in your car is a lot more convenient than bringing one with you on long road trips or when you think you’ll be out of the house for a while. Sometimes we neglect to charge our phone the night before or accidentally run an app in the background that drains your battery. Regardless of the circumstance, you don’t want to be without your only lifeline should you break down and need to call for help. You may also rely on your phone as a GPS system, and you don’t want to be at the mercy of your phone battery to get you safely to your destination.
Duct Tape
Duct tape is one of the most versatile items out there. Just like it can come in handy for temporary (or even permanent) household repairs, it can be very helpful should something break on your vehicle. Say you sideswipe a pole, or if you were the victim of a hit-and-run and your mirror comes loose. Duct tape can keep it in place until it can properly be repaired. You can also use it to temporarily halt leaks in your roof or sunroof to mitigate or prevent costly water damage.
Paper Towels, Tissues And Even A Roll Of Toilet Paper
Paper products may not save you from danger, but they can certainly make any ride more comfortable in the event of a spill, an unexpected runny nose, or an extra messy drive-through order. If you travel with children, these are even more essential. Baby wipes, even if you don’t have a baby, also prove effective to help clean up spills and messes.
Spare Change
You should keep spare change or an emergency stash of cash somewhere in your car. While most parking meters now allow you to pay with a credit card, there are still some holdouts that require change. You may also come across an unexpected toll.
Fire Extinguisher
This item is one that you will hopefully never have to use, but it’s important nonetheless. Because vehicles can catch fire during an accident, a fire extinguisher can help put the fire out before help arrives. Modern fire extinguishers are available in extremely small sizes without sacrificing effectiveness, so there’s no excuse to forego this item, even in smaller vehicles or sports cars.
Multi-tool
A multi-tool includes common tools in a compact package that can fit right in your glove box. It includes scissors, a screwdriver, wrench, knife, and can/bottle opener to cover your bases should you need a tool.
Water Bottles
Water bottles can save your life if you are stranded and in need of hydration. In less extreme circumstances, like unforseen traffic, having water handy can make the ride more comfortable. Just make sure your water bottle can withstand extreme temperatures.
Non-Perishable Snacks
It’s a good idea to have an easy-to-eat snack handy in the event that hunger strikes. Suggestions include energy bars, nuts, or crackers.
Escape Tool
An escape tool is another item you will hopefully never need, but it can provide peace of mind knowing it’s there. An escape tool can cut through a seatbelt and can break window glass from the inside. These can also be lifesavers if you encounter a car accident with someone trapped in their vehicle.
Umbrella
Even if there is no rain in the forecast, you never know when you’re going to be caught in an unexpected shower.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is top-of-mind during the global pandemic, and it should remain a mainstay in your vehicle even after the pandemic ends to help prevent the spread of infectious germs.
Reusable Grocery Bags
Plastic grocery bags are bad for the environment. Having a stash of reusable paper grocery bags in your trunk will come in handy for trips to the store and can also hold more items than the typical single-use grocery bag.
While there’s something satisfying about an empty trunk and a minimally-filled glove compartment, these empty spaces will leave you unprepared during an emergency or inevitable on-the-road inconvenience. Hopefully you will never need to use these emergency items, but you can rest assured knowing that you have them accessible.
What’s your view of these 21 essential items to have in your car? Do you have any additional tips you would like to share with your fellow motorists? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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Making your car bulletproof to protect against hijackers should be an option, especially if you take into consideration that South Africa is one of the most dangerous countries in the world in terms of murder and is considered to be the hijacking capital.
On a daily basis, CCTV footage circulates on social media, showing myriad hijacking attempts on innocent citizens.
While quick-thinking individuals can save their car — and more importantly, their lives — others are not so lucky.
According to Stats SA, a staggering 99,000 hijackings (estimated) occurred during the 2019/2020 period.
Vehicle theft was estimated at 88,000, with a good chunk (45,000) in the Gauteng province. Some criminals are not content with just taking the vehicle — but the driver’s life, too.
So, what to do?
Previously reserved for celebrities, VIPs and politicians, bulletproof transport has become increasingly popular with people fed up with SA’s high crime rate.
Armoured cars are becoming more popular with South Africans who want to feel safer, especially with the rampant crime rates that rock the country.
“Once you’re used to an armoured vehicle, you feel naked in a vehicle that isn’t,” said SVI Engineering’s Business development manager Nicol Louw.
Louw told BizNews about the demand for bulletproof vehicles in South Africa, particularly for businesses — but for private citizens too.
“If you need to drive your kids around, you want to be safe. Once you’re used to the safety [of an armoured vehicle], it feels weird to drive in a vehicle without that protection.”
Bulletproof vehicle door and window being tested
Pretoria-based SVI specialises in the armouring and building of vehicles. While most contracts are for business owners, Louw remarked that a few private individuals have opted for this enhanced protection. “People go through traumatic experiences like hijackings [and] decide they need an armoured vehicle. Sometimes we sell one right there and then.”
Interestingly, the unprecedented riots that gripped KZN and parts of Gauteng spurred myriad people into action, with a “definite spike” in demand being recorded, he said. “We are building quite a few vehicles for KwaZulu-Natal clients.”
Most popular are the double-cab bakkies. Already built to carry heavier loads, they are also more cost-effective to armour.
B4 armouring — protection from handguns — adds 280kg to the vehicle’s mass, with additions such as 21mm glass and Kevlar protection.
For those wanting more, B6 protection — which can sustain gunfire from an AK-47, for example — uses 38mm thick glass and steel armour plating. “B4 is R432,000 while B6 costs R655,000, excluding VAT.”
The photo below shows the difference between the B4 and B6 ballistic glass.
Comparison of two bullet proof grass armouring. The photo shows the difference between the B4 and B6 ballistic glass.
He notes that B6 is the highest level of protection available to a civilian without a special permit.
Theoretically, any car can receive B4 armouring — but popular vehicles include Toyota Fortuners, Land Cruisers and luxury sedans.
“A lot of business people that work with cash need to run it from their businesses to the bank — and do so safely. We do plenty of discreet SUVs at B6 level as they blend into the traffic. You can [transport] your family in it — and millions of rands to the bank, with no issue.”
Since the beginning of this year, South African consumers have been able to walk into a Ford dealership and order an armoured Ranger bakkie, underscoring how mainstream this once niche sector is becoming. “Since partnering with Ford, we’ve sold over 50 vehicles through dealerships.”
Armoured Ford Rangers
But it seems that while private individuals are starting to see the benefits of bulletproof transport, the business sector remains the biggest customer of armoured vehicles.
“The mining sector is massive — as are the security companies.” While cash-in-transit heists remain a serious problem in South Africa, Louw notes that criminals are no longer content with just targeting for money.
“If you’ve got valuables that you need to transport, you can’t send it out on the road without having guards [following closely]. That goes for cigarettes, cell phones – we even hear that Takealot vehicles are taking hits at the moment.”
What do you think of bullet proofing your vehicle? Do you think it is a necessity for private vehicles to have some form of bullet proofing? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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The latest Tracker Vehicle Crime Index reveals vehicle crime statistics since the company’s inception 25 years ago, recorded from its installed vehicle base and analysed in line with its financial year.
The statistics indicate the level of vehicle crime was significant in the early years of vehicle tracking, with vehicle crime activities affecting 4.5% of Tracker’s customer base at the peak in 1999. However, this rate declined as vehicle tracking matured and the insurance industry drove an increase in subscriptions to vehicle tracking services. The level of vehicle crime has been consistent since 2012 at 0.7% of Tracker’s customer base, dropping to 0.6% for the past three years.
25 years of vehicle crime. Image: Supplied
Nevertheless, the nature of vehicle crime is changing. For the past three years, hijacking has been on the rise and is more prevalent than theft. Hijacking attributed a higher percentage of the Tracker vehicle crime activities in 2021 when compared to theft, averaging a 54%/46% split. This is higher than the last time hijacking overtook theft in 1999 with a 525/48% split.
“The slant towards hijacking is most likely an opportunistic tactic, with a noticeable increase in vehicles targeted for their loads, particularly fast-moving consumable goods,” says Duma Ngcobo, chief operating officer at Tracker SA.
“Drivers carrying large amounts of cash are also targeted. South Africans should be wary and remain vigilant at all times, especially when returning home from shopping or when goods bought online are delivered to their homes. Hijackings are often violent and there are instances when a hostage is taken.”
“Other techniques include criminals impersonating law enforcements officials to commit hijackings, a method known as blue light robberies. Criminals also commit vehicle theft using online selling platforms, where sellers hand over goods on receipt of a fake payment. Sometimes, criminals pretend there is something wrong with your vehicle, a method known as flagging down. They also take advantage of drivers stopped on the side of the road or those picking up hitchhikers,” says Ngcobo.
The province that has always been at the forefront of vehicle crime is Gauteng, clocking an average 64% of total vehicle crime activities in 25 years. Yet, for the past three years, Gauteng has attributed a smaller percentage of national vehicle crime activities at an average of 56%. This as the other two dominant provinces, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape, start accounting for more national vehicle crime activities. KwaZulu-Natal has moved from an average of 16% of vehicle crime activities to 19% for the past three years, while Western Cape has moved from 6% to 9%.
The theft and hijacking split per province. Image: Supplied
When examining the split between theft and hijacking at provincial level for the past year, six provinces experienced a greater numbers of hijackings than thefts. The Western Cape has the highest incidence of hijacking compared to theft with a 78%/22% split. Most of this vehicle crime occurs in the greater Western Cape metropolitan area.
Main Image: For the past three years, vehicle hijacking has been on the rise and is more prevalent than theft. Image:djedzura / 123rf
Does affordability play a big role when you shop for a new vehicle and do you think it’s the same for most South Africans? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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These cars are at high risk of theft according security company Fidelity ADT who highlighted that incident involving remote-jamming devices have become an everyday occurrence in SA.
Residents need to be especially mindful of ensuring their vehicles are locked before leaving them unattended.
Car jamming occurs when a criminal uses signal-blocking technology to prevent a vehicle from locking properly.
South African motorists often walk away from their cars while pressing their remote without ensuring that their vehicles are physically locked, Fidelity ADT said.
“Unfortunately, residents are too complacent when it comes to movable property outside their security perimeter. Last week alone, there were twelve reported incidents where cars were stolen, six of which occurred in Alberton,” said Michelle Pelser, Fidelity ADT JHB South branch manager.
Pelser said that the following vehicles are considered ‘high-risk’ and that a tracking unit should be installed where possible:
VW Polo sedan
VW Polo hatchback
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Etios
Toyota Yaris
Toyota Hilux
Ford Ranger
Pelser encouraged residents to park inside their perimeter security if possible and, if not, to ensure that they do not leave any valuables in their vehicles if they are parked on the pavement.
“It’s especially important not to leave any valuable items inside the car where they can be seen from the window. Rather lock these items in the boot,” she said.
She added that residents should also ensure their vehicles are locked when parked at shopping malls, schools, businesses and other unattended areas.
“The growing use of remote jamming devices to block or jam the locking mechanism of motor vehicles has unfortunately become an everyday occurrence. Always check that the car is locked by testing the door. Don’t assume that by pressing the remote locking that your car is locked,” she said.
Hotspots
The South African Police Service (SAPS) for Q1 2021/2022, published in August, shows a steep increase in hijackings across South Africa compared to Q1 2019, despite the impact of lockdown restrictions.
The data shows that aggravated robberies such as carjacking increased by 92.2% compared to Q1 2019. By comparison, carjacking increased by 13.1% compared to Q1 2020.
As with the country’s other major crimes statistics, most hijacking cases are reported in the most populous areas.
Most carjacking cases were reported in Gauteng (2,704), followed by the KZN (820) and the Western Cape (589). Most of these hijackings take place in townships, the data showed.
The table below highlights the areas which have had the most hijacking cases reported to their respective police stations in the first quarter:
Phillipi East in the Western Cape reported the most carjackings (78), followed by Sandton in Gauteng (68) and Nyanga in the Western Cape (67).
Do you check your vehicle if it is locked before you leave it unattended? Have you ever been a victim of car jamming? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.
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