The Rising Epidemic of Hijackings in SA | The hidden mental health crisis of car hijackings in South Africa

In South Africa, where car hijackings are a terrifying reality, victims often endure more than just the loss of their vehicle.Car hijackings are not just individual traumas—it is a national crisis.According to the South African Police Service, there are approximately 60 car hijackings a day in South Africa, leaving countless survivors struggling with the aftermath.The unpredictability of these crimes makes them particularly terrifying; a routine drive home can suddenly turn into a life-threatening ordeal.The psychological scars can last a lifetime, with many survivors battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and an overwhelming sense of vulnerability.While the immediate fear and physical danger of a hijacking are undeniable, it is the lingering mental and emotional aftermath that can be just as devastating.Motoring journalist Jason Woosey knows this all too well.As a motoring journalist, test-driving luxury vehicles is part of his job and the hijacking has changed the w...