Insurance industry figures show car hijackings in South Africa have hit new highs in recent months, says the Democratic Alliance.
”Insurance firms and tracking companies have indicated car hijackings have increased from 12 434 in 2004/05 to over 15 864 so far this year — exceeding highs last recorded in 2001/02,” DA safety and security deputy spokesperson Ryno King said in a statement on Tuesday.
The refusal by government to lift the moratorium on crime statistics meant South Africans were forced to use other sources for an up-to-date indication of crime rates.
”Hollard Insurance has recorded a 30% to 40% increase in carjackings between March and June, compared with last year, and increases of between 20% and 30% for July and August,” King said.
It is clear motorists are being targeted by heavily armed, well-organised, hi-tech gangs and getting very little protection from the police, who are hamstrung due to a lack of proper leadership, training and resources.
”The Department of Safety and Security is losing the war against well-organised crime syndicates, as evidenced by the fact that it has allowed car hijackings to increase by as much as 30% since last year — reaching a five-year high,” King said.
He called on Minister of Safety and Security Charles Nqakula to explain his claim that ”at least 76 of the 96 identified crime syndicate leaders have been arrested in the past six months”.
If this is the case, why have car hijackings risen, and not dropped, King asked. — Sapa