But hunting season has now opened on ‘bakkies’ as they are being stolen a dime dozen over the past two weeks. In the Gauteng province, known as Gangsters’ Paradise (the registration is GP), almost 70 bakkies have been stolen in only 11 days. And the victim of choice is the ever so polular Toyota Hilux. As soon as they are stolen they are taken over the border to Mozambique where they are either stripped for parts or taken further north into Africa.
Many say police at border posts are being bribed because so many stolen vehicles are taken through the Lebombo BorderPost without a hitch.
But bakkies are not only nicked in the middle of the night from parking areas. They are also hijacked in broad daylight in armed hijackings. Police stats show that motor vehicle hijackings in Gauteng increased by 25% in July, August and September this year compared to the same months last year. Truck jackings increased by 56%.
Our advice if you travel in or to SA this Christmas, don’t rent a bakkie or if you do own one or rent one make sure you take out the best insurance.
