KwaZulu-Natal motorists are warned not to become complacent while commuting or driving in unfamiliar areas, as hijacking remains a concern.

A recent report flagged uMlazi, Inanda and Durban central as hotspot areas in the province.

Here are four common hijacking trends:

1. Boxing-in

During peak-hour traffic – 4pm to 7pm – carjackers use the boxing-in method to ensure there is no route for escape, leaving motorists vulnerable to the attack.

2. Fender-bender

Growing in popularity is the mini fender-bender; an orchestrated accident that gets drivers to jump out of their vehicles to assess the damage – and then being targeted.

3. Fake police

During quieter times on the roads, between 10pm and 4am, hijackers are also active, with some perpetrators dressing up as police officials to lull their victims into a false sense of security.

Motorists are urged to trust their gut when a suspicious or unmarked traffic police car tries to pull them over. Rather drive to the nearest petrol station instead of stopping.

4. Projectile attack

Still prominent is the projectile attack, which involves stones or concrete fragments thrown from bridges, causing the driver to crash or come to a halt.

While being in this situation is traumatic for the victims, if there are no serious injuries, drivers are encouraged to keep driving until they reach safety.

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