Latest Kidnapping Hotspots to Watch Out for in Gauteng

In the past, we’ve posted vital information on areas to avoid so you don’t become a victim of smash and grab. It’s not just something that can ruin your day, cause financial loss, and put you in trouble. Being the victim of a kidnapping incident can also be extremely traumatic.

Recently, it has come to our attention that kidnapping activity has increased. In fact, according to our investigation of statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), 231 kidnapping incidents were recorded in Gauteng between April 2022 and May 2022 alone.

That’s just in 1 month guys. 1 month.

Well, this data is enough to motivate us to update our previously published list of GP areas to avoid so you can stay safer on the road. We don’t want anything to happen to you, your valuables, or your car, so please be careful if you drive through any of these areas. We understand that it cannot always be avoided.

Where in Gauteng NOT to go

Here’s a look at the hijacking hotspots to avoid in Gauteng (with more updates on places to avoid in other parts of the country to follow).

Some of the hotspots for kidnapping in Pretoria:

• The Jean Avenue off-ramp from the R28 at Centurion.
• John Vorster Drive exit ramp for the N1 at Lyttelton.
• The Atterbury Road off-ramp from the N1 to Menlyn.
• The Lynnwood Road off-ramp at the N1.
• The corner of University Road and Lynnwood Road in Hatfield.
• Traffic lights along Walker Street in Sunnyside.
• Nelson Mandela Drive, Duncan Street and Walker Street in Sunnyside.

Some of the kidnapping hotspots in Johannesburg:

• The William Nicol Drive of the N1 (coming from Sandton).
• Jan Smuts Avenue and William Drive parted ways at Hyde Park.
• New Road off-ramp in Midrand.
• The intersection of Christiaan de Wet Road and Wilgerood Road in Roodepoort.
• The corner of Old Pretoria Road and 1st Avenue in Alexandra.
• All traffic lights along Louis Botha Avenue between Alexandra and Hillbrow.
• The traffic light at Kyalami Drive.

Some other notable hotspots, flagged by the SAPS:

• Bekkersdal (road R28 and N12).
• Carletonville (Blybank Road and Randfontein Road).
• Fochville (corner N12 and R500).
• Randfontein (R559, R28 and N14).

The king has your back

As we already mentioned, there are times when you just can’t avoid being in an area known to be high risk. When that’s the case, trust these safety tips from the king.

Top tips to try to avoid smash and grab:

• lock him up They might break your windows, but don’t make it any easier.
• out of sight Store your belongings, under the seats and in the trunk.
• Just say no. We mean anyone with ruffles or pointing at their license plates.
• Be on high alert at stops, intersections, and in heavy traffic.
• Walk. Never get out of your car to move an object on the road.
• Give a hole Leave 2-3 spaces between your car and the next one so you have room for an exit strategy.
• Slow down. When approaching a red light at night, take it easy so you can cross it when it turns green without stopping.

And then there is always turning to us, with our code red service. Code Red is an app-based service that will get you the nearest armed response car or emergency service as soon as possible, so if you feel threatened or unsafe, you can just open our app and hit the red button.

If you want to know more about the king’s code red, click here. You can also check our Royal Car insurance options by clicking here or you can WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50.