Motorists across South Africa are being urged to remain vigilant following the release of updated Hijacking hotspots South Africa 2026 locations in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town and Durban.
According to security industry alerts, the latest Hijacking hotspots South Africa 2026 report shows that hijackings continue to occur frequently at busy intersections, highway off-ramps, traffic lights (robots), and major arterial roads — particularly during peak traffic hours when vehicles are stationary and vulnerable.
Johannesburg: Multiple High-Risk Intersections and Off-Ramps
Johannesburg remains one of the most affected metros, with numerous high-risk areas identified across the city.
Several highway off-ramps have been flagged, including:
- Linksfield Road off the N3
- Booysens Road off the M1
- Houghton Drive off the M1
- Heidelberg Road off the N17
- Beyers Naude off the N1
- Rivonia off-ramp in Sunninghill (N1)
- New Road off-ramp (N1)
- William Nicol off-ramp (N1)
- Riviera off-ramp (M1)
Busy intersections and traffic light zones such as Kelvin Street and CR Swart, Pretoria Road and CR Swart, Elgin Road and Pretoria Road, Grayston and Rivonia, and Jan Smuts Avenue near William Nicol Drive in Hyde Park have also been highlighted.
Precincts under increased watch include:
- Bramley (Wynberg, Marlboro, Kew)
- Yeoville (Bellevue, Bellevue East)
- Norwood (Orange Grove, Highlands)
- Sandringham (Glenhazel, Lombardy East)
- Rosebank (Saxonwold, Parkwood)
- Hillbrow (Upper Houghton, Killarney)
- Parkview and Parkhurst areas
Motorists are also advised to be cautious along Louis Botha Avenue (M11), especially between Hillbrow and Alexandra, as well as at key intersections in Alexandra, Fairland, Midrand near Clayville, Kyalami Drive traffic lights, Witkoppen Road intersections, and Christiaan de Wet and Wilgerood Road in Roodepoort.
The Nelson Mandela Bridge has also been specifically mentioned as an area requiring heightened awareness.
Pretoria: Off-Ramps and Traffic Lights Identified
In Pretoria, several major intersections and off-ramps have been listed as hijacking hotspots.
High-risk routes include:
- Rigel Avenue off the N1
- Atterbury off the N1
- Hans Strijdom off the N4
- Lynwood Road on-ramp from the N1
- R55 in Erasmia
Busy crossings such as Lynwood Road and Simon Vermooten, Simon Vermooten and Pretoria Street, Simon Vermooten and Farrow Street, Schoeman Street intersections (Duncan, Hilda, Grosvenor), and University Road and Lynwood Road have also been flagged.
Motorists are urged to remain alert at robots along Burnett Street, Delfi Avenue, Garsfontein Road, Stormvoel, Watermeyer Street, Nelson Mandela Drive, Walker Street and Duncan Street.
Cape Town: Key Arterial Roads Under Watch
In Cape Town, Voortrekker Road between Bellville and Parow has been identified as a high-risk corridor.
Other areas of concern include:
- Military Road and Prince George Drive
- St Stephens Road
- Alice Street near Voortrekker Road
- Station Road
- Klipfontein Road
- Vanguard Drive
- Prestwich Road and Ebenhezer
- R300 under bridges toward the N1
Authorities warn that criminals often target vehicles slowing down near bridges and intersections.
Durban: Central Business District and Major Roads
In Durban, hijacking incidents have been reported along:
- Alpine Road
- West Street
- Warwick Avenue and Smith Street intersection
Drivers are urged to remain cautious when approaching traffic lights and congested areas in the CBD.
Safety Advice for Motorists
Security experts advise motorists to:
- Avoid distractions such as mobile phones while driving.
- Leave enough space between your vehicle and the one in front to allow for quick escape.
- Be alert when approaching traffic lights, especially at night.
- Avoid predictable travel routines where possible.
- Immediately report suspicious activity to authorities.
Hijackings often occur when vehicles are stationary at intersections or slowing down at highway off-ramps. Criminals typically act quickly, targeting distracted or unaware drivers.
With crime patterns constantly shifting, motorists are encouraged to stay informed and practice defensive driving at all times.
Source: National Hijack Prevention Academy (NHPA) Crime Statistics 2015/2016
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