Operation Shanela: Tackling hijacked vehicles in KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal's Transport MEC, Siboniso Duma, has issued a stern warning to second-hand vehicle dealers about the severe consequences they will face if caught purchasing hijacked or stolen government vehicles. The caution came after the recovery of a double-cab bakkie in Azalea Township, Pietermaritzburg, where one person was arrested.

Duma praised his team's intelligence-driven execution of Operation Shanela, which led to the arrest. He emphasized that the operation targets criminals exploiting the department's assets, fleet, and infrastructure to hinder service delivery for the community.

Duma reiterated that Operation Shanela and Road Traffic Inspectorate teams are collaborating with all law enforcement agencies to prevent any resurgence of state vehicle hijackings. He cautioned society and used car dealerships about the dire consequences of buying stolen state vehicles, as they contribute to the root cause of car hijackings. Stolen vehicles often end up in chop shops, exported to other provinces, and neighboring countries.

Duma also revealed that the department has implemented protective measures for 8,991 state vehicles. However, statistics from the SAPS national crime reports for Q4 2025/2026 highlighted a concerning trend. Between January 2026 and March 2026, there were 3,609 carjacking incidents across South Africa, with KwaZulu-Natal recording 446 incidents, while Gauteng had 2,062 incidents. Alexandra in Johannesburg topped the list with 63 incidents, followed by KZN's Umlazi at 52 incidents.

Despite a nationwide decrease in carjackings from 5,402 incidents in Q1 2022 to 4,533 incidents in Q1 2025, these alarming statistics emphasize the persistent threat. Popular vehicles like the Toyota Hilux, Volkswagen Polo, Kia Picanto, and Ford Ranger remain high targets due to their resale value and demand for parts. The Ford Ranger's popularity continues to grow, and several high-risk hijacking areas across the country remain unchanged.