Car Thefts Surge at South African Malls as Criminals Use Remote Jamming Devices

South Africa’s shopping malls are becoming prime targets for vehicle thefts, with remote jamming tactics on the rise.

South Africans visiting shopping malls are being urged to stay alert as criminals increasingly target parked vehicles using remote jamming technology.

Security firms and the South African Police Service (SAPS) have issued warnings about the surge in car thefts, particularly in major urban centres. In Pretoria, Bull Security has flagged Mooikloof and surrounding eastern suburbs as current hotspots.

Remote jamming is a method where thieves block the signal from a car owner’s remote control, leaving the vehicle unlocked and vulnerable to theft. “The device used can be as basic as a garage remote or more sophisticated,” explained French Jooste, a spokesperson for Bull Security.

Jooste added that criminals usually linger in mall parking lots, waiting for unsuspecting drivers to walk away before jamming the signal. Many victims only realise their car was never locked when it’s already too late.

Criminals Target High-Value Vehicles

This growing trend has already hit high-profile victims. In late 2024, a Member of Parliament had their R4 million luxury vehicle stolen from Menlyn Mall in Pretoria. Fortunately, the car was recovered before it could cross the Zimbabwean border.

Authorities believe organised syndicates are behind the surge in mall thefts and hijackings. According to SAPS data, over 7,700 vehicle thefts and 4,800 hijackings were reported in the last quarter of 2024 — averaging 140 incidents daily.

Insurance companies and vehicle tracking services like Tracker and Cartrack confirm that malls remain among the top hotspots for vehicle-related crimes. Tracker’s COO, Duma Ngcobo, noted that car hijackings are most common on Fridays between 3 PM and 10 PM, while thefts peak on Saturdays between 11 AM and 3 PM.

Where Stolen Vehicles End Up

Once stolen, many vehicles are either stripped for parts locally or smuggled into neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, and Namibia. The demand for reliable and affordable car parts in these regions fuels the cross-border smuggling trade.

Popular targets include Toyota models like the Hilux, Fortuner, RAV4, and Corolla Cross — all known for their durability and off-road capabilities.

In one recent case on 15 May 2025, Limpopo’s Provincial Anti-Smuggling Team intercepted a stolen Toyota Corolla Cross along the Limpopo River before it could be taken into Zimbabwe.

Security experts say that about 30% of hijacked vehicles are smuggled out of South Africa. Syndicates use various smuggling routes, including:

• Sikwane in North West (Botswana route)

• KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga (Mozambique routes)

• Vioolsdrift in the Northern Cape (Namibia route)

• Limpopo River crossings (Zimbabwe route), sometimes using donkey carts

In northern KwaZulu-Natal, authorities recently uncovered makeshift steel bridges used to move stolen vehicles across borders.

Border Barriers and Countermeasures

Efforts to clamp down on vehicle smuggling are underway. In KwaZulu-Natal, a long-delayed 25km concrete barrier along the Mozambique border began phased construction in 2024. As of year-end, about 7km had been completed. Even this limited progress has already contributed to a decline in smuggling incidents.

How to Stay Safe

To avoid falling victim to remote jamming or car theft, experts recommend:

• Physically checking that all doors and the boot are locked

• Avoiding leaving valuables in plain sight

• Parking in visible, well-monitored areas with CCTV

• Reporting any locking issues to mall security immediately

As car crime syndicates grow more sophisticated, both vigilance and proactive security measures are essential.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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