South African motorists targeted by vehicle hijacking and extortion

Motorists, e-hailing drivers, and transport operators in South Africa are being urged to remain vigilant against an escalating trend of vehicle hijacking and extortion. Criminals are using fake “impoundments” to seize vehicles, often taking them to taxi-rank offices or other locations where owners are forced to pay money to have their property released.

While these incidents have been particularly prevalent in Cape Town, reports indicate similar crimes are occurring elsewhere in the country. Vulnerable groups, including scholar transport drivers and workers traveling during late-night or early-morning shifts, are at higher risk.

Safety experts, including MasterDrive CEO Eugene Herbert, advise motorists not to attempt to retrieve vehicles from unauthorized individuals without law enforcement assistance. Herbert noted that when non-law enforcement officials take a vehicle without consent, it constitutes both hijacking and extortion. Authorities recommend reporting such incidents immediately to the South African Police Service (SAPS) or local municipal services.