In the Republic of South Africa, vehicle hijacking remains a significant challenge. 83% of families have fallen victim to vehicle hijacking. Many people are now afraid to drive, even during the day. Hijacking, which was once a term rarely heard outside of news reports, has become a part of everyday life. Criminals stop vehicles, threaten drivers with weapons, and even commit murder.
In the first quarter of 2025, police reported over 4,500 hijackings – an average of over 50 incidents daily. In just those three months, more cars were stolen in South Africa than in the entire year in countries like Morocco. More than half of these crimes involve violence, and in some cases, the murder of drivers. Danger exists everywhere: in parking lots, near homes, or simply on the road. The theft strikes with terrifying swiftness, taking merely 60 seconds. In most regions of South Africa, criminals target commercial transport – trucks and service vehicles suffer twice as often as private cars; however, private vehicles are particularly targeted in the Western Cape.
But now, the thieves have no chance whatsoever. Gazer is entering the South African market and aims to eliminate vehicle theft once and for all. As the world’s first manufacturer of digital cybersecurity systems designed to thwart vehicle theft entirely, Gazer has a proven history of dramatically reducing crime in 26 countries. Now, the company is setting its sights on overcoming car theft in South Africa. With over 65,000 vehicles already protected, none have ever been stolen.
Distributors, vehicle importers, and dealers are uniting in a powerful initiative to combat the long-standing problem of hijackings and the resulting threat to the population. Among these key players is SMD Technologies, now the official distributor of Gazer in South Africa.
‘The automotive market in South Africa is experiencing remarkable growth; however, this progress brings with it a huge level of danger. Every journey carries a risk to the lives of our drivers. This is precisely why we are filled with national pride that the global technology giant Gazer has made the momentous decision to enter the South
African market! It is not merely another partnership; it is our collective contribution to the historic fight for vehicle security and the safety of our citizens, states Avi Mishan, Managing Director of SMD Technologies.
With Gazer digital security systems now available locally through SMD Technologies, drivers and businesses have a new option to help protect their vehicles, themselves, and their families on the roads.
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Author: Mahesh Pillay from SMD Technologies PTY (Ltd) on behalf of Gazer.
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