High-End Suburb Emerging as Hijacking Hotspot: Rosebank Joins SA’s Most Dangerous Areas

New data shows that Rosebank , one of Johannesburg’s high-end residential areas, is emerging as a hijacking hotspot in South Africa.

According to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for the third quarter of 2025 (October to December), 4,778 carjackings were reported across the country.

That works out to roughly 50 hijackings every day a stark reminder of the scale of a crime trend that remains deeply entrenched in South Africa’s major metros.

The National Picture

The SAPS data showed that Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape recorded the highest number of hijackings, while the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga are beginning to close the gap.

Sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes remain the most frequently targeted vehicles, with bakkies and panel vans not far behind.

Fidelity’s Warning

Wahl Bartmann , CEO of Fidelity Services Group, told BusinessTech that hijackings are expected to continue following the same cyclical trend seen through 2025.

“Recorded hijackings are expected to continue following the cyclical pattern observed in 2025, characterised by short-term declines followed by renewed increases.”

While there was some relief at the start of the year, he warned that the downturn is unlikely to last.

“A reduction in hijackings was recorded in January 2026, and remained subdued through February, but a gradual escalation is anticipated from March into April 2026.”

Targeted Vehicles

Fidelity’s data aligns with SAPS, showing that vehicles such as the VW Polo, Hyundai Grand i10, and Nissan Almera continue to be disproportionately targeted.

Known Hotspots

Bartmann flagged several well-known hijacking hotspots:

• Soweto

• Johannesburg Central

• Pinetown

• Inanda

• Mitchells Plain

• Khayelitsha

The New Hotspot: Rosebank

Among the newer and more concerning hotspots in Gauteng is Rosebank a suburb more commonly associated with luxury apartments, art galleries, and corporate headquarters.

The warning comes as Rosebank enjoys a property boom driven by younger buyers, professionals, investors, and semigrants.

The Rosebank Property Boom

According to Lightstone:

• 74% of buyers in the suburb are under 50

• Those aged 36-49 are the most active purchasing group

• Buyers are typically professionals in banking, legal, and consulting

• The area is attracting Capetonians relocating to Johannesburg for hybrid work

• International buyers are drawn to its Gautrain airport link

Rosebank vs Sandton

Mariël Burger , Pam Golding Properties Gauteng Metro regional head, said Rosebank offers 30 to 40% better value than Sandton while matching its lifestyle quality.

“A two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment priced around R2.5 million in Rosebank compares favourably with R3.5 million to R4 million for a similar home in Sandton. This makes Rosebank one of Johannesburg’s strongest value-for-money precincts.”

• Median sectional title price: R1.9 million

• Entry-level studio/one-bed: R800,000 to R1.5 million

• Two-bed apartments: R2.5 million to R4 million

• Luxury penthouses: R5 million to over R12 million

The Bottom Line

Rosebank is booming. Young professionals are moving in. Property values are climbing.

But the hijacking statistics are also climbing.

The same streets lined with coffee shops and art galleries are now on the hijacking hotspot list. Buyers beware: the lifestyle comes with risk.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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