New hijacking trends in SA: These are the most dangerous days and times
South African hijacking trends are shifting, with new peak days and times emerging. Here’s when motorists are most at risk.
If you thought hijackings followed a predictable pattern, think again.
South African motorists are being warned: criminals are changing their playbook and the timing is shifting.
Recent data from Tracker reveals a noticeable change in when hijackers are most active.
This isn’t just a small tweak, it’s a full-on schedule reshuffle.
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The new danger window
For the first half of 2025, Thursdays between 16:00 and 21:00 were the biggest red flag.
That classic after-work rush was prime time for criminals.
However, by the second half of the year, things had changed. Now, Tuesdays between 16:00 and 21:00 have taken the top spot.
Yep - Tuesday, the most random villain origin story of the week.
Theft vs hijacking stats
Looking at private vehicle owners:
- Theft accounts for 52% of incidents
- Hijackings sit close behind at 48%
That’s basically a coin toss. Not exactly comforting odds when you’re just trying to get home.
Saturdays are still a hotspot for theft, especially between 11:00 and 16:00.
That’s when most people are out running errands, grabbing lunch, or living their best soft life.
If you’re driving a company vehicle, the pattern shifts again, and it’s not in your favour.
- Hijackings peak: Wednesdays, 16:00 to 21:00
- Theft peaks: Fridays, 11:00 to 21:00
What’s even more concerning is that business vehicles are hijacked nearly twice as often as they are stolen.
In other words, criminals aren’t just taking chances, they’re going straight for confrontation.
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Where is it happening most?
According to reports highlighted by BusinessTech, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape still lead in overall numbers.
Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga are catching up fast, with rising incident rates.
The South African Police Service reported 4,778 carjackings between October and December 2025 alone.
That’s roughly 50 hijackings a day.
What does this mean for you?
This isn’t about panic, it’s about awareness.
Criminals are adapting, shifting days and times to catch people off guard.
The old “rules” don’t apply anymore, and assuming you’re safe because it’s a certain day of the week? That’s exactly the gap they’re exploiting.
Stay alert during those late afternoon to evening hours, especially on weekdays.
Be mindful of your surroundings, and don’t let routine make you predictable.
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