A recent report from Cartrack revealed that 5,946 vehicles were stolen between October and December 2023, a 3% increase from the previous year. Owners of sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes were the most affected, accounting for 2,754 of the total. The numbers suggest a demand for affordable, readily available parts on the black market, driven by accessibility and difficulty in tracing parts than whole cars.
Motor drivers are adopting safety measures such as installing tracking devices, parking in well-lit areas, and practicing increased vigilance. However, carjackers are becoming more sophisticated. The most frequently stolen accessories include wheels, wheel caps, car batteries, sound equipment, vehicle mirrors, and headlights. Airbags, batteries, tailgates, wheels, and tires are easier to hide and harder to trace.
Shops dealing in stolen car parts have an estimated trade value of about R442mn, making reselling car parts lucrative and less traceable than reselling stolen vehicles. Even car mechanics have been involved in the unlawful practice, sometimes replacing parts with faulty, cheaper ones during repairs.
Comprehensive insurance cover is essential as South Africa suffers a rise in vehicle hijackings and road crimes. It is crucial to specify additional features your vehicle may have, such as mag wheels, music systems, sunroofs, roof racks, and whether you have a tracker. Failure to declare these features means your car will be insured for a value that excludes them, and they are unlikely to be covered in the event of a claim.
