In the face of escalating violent crime, South Africans are increasingly turning to armoured vehicles to safeguard their lives and assets, whether at home or on the move.
According to statistics from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), murders in South Africa have surged by a staggering 77% since 2012. Similarly, car hijackings have more than doubled during the same period, reaching a staggering 22,742 incidents in 2023, up from around 9,540 previously.
The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) has also highlighted a disturbing trend of targeted assassinations, averaging more than two per week in 2022. These alarming crime rates have desensitized many South Africans to the regularity of such incidents, prompting them to seek enhanced protection.
Armoured Vehicles Available For Civillians
In response to the heightened demand for security solutions, the armoured vehicles industry in South Africa is experiencing a significant boom. Pretoria-based manufacturer SVI reported a remarkable 50% year-on-year growth in turnover over the past three years, culminating in a record delivery of 200 armored vehicles to customers in the preceding year.
Nicol Louw, SVI’s business development director, attributed this surge in demand to the cyclical nature of the market, with major crime events often triggering spikes in interest. High-profile crimes, kidnappings, and the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the 2024 elections and ongoing power outages have further fueled the need for protection, Louw added.
Yusuf Moolla, marketing manager of Armoured Mobility, emphasized that rising crime levels have led to increased awareness and adoption of armored vehicle products. Moolla noted that individuals targeted by violent attacks or kidnappings are actively seeking additional avenues to safeguard themselves and their loved ones through armored vehicles, particularly those offering B6 protection against sniper rifles and AK-47s.
For more common crimes such as smash-and-grabs and hijackings, Moolla pointed out that the B4 protection level is a popular choice among South Africans, offering affordable yet effective defense against most handguns.
Both SVI and Armoured Mobility offer a diverse range of armored vehicles, with conversion prices typically starting at around R500,000, excluding the base vehicle. Additionally, high-end SUVs retailing for over R2 million are available, equipped with optional extras such as intercom systems, roof plating, and VIP seating to cater to varying security needs.
While commercial clients, particularly in the mining and security sectors, remain the primary drivers of demand, private individuals are also investing in discreet armor solutions for their vehicles, ranging from double cab bakkies to luxury SUVs like the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and Mercedes V-Class.
Beyond bullet protection, armoured vehicles offer peace of mind and practical advantages in navigating South Africa’s perilous streets. Nicol Louw highlighted the ability to stop at red lights at night, take shortcuts, and shield families from violent acts such as brick-throwing, thanks to the vehicles’ ballistic protection.
As South Africa grapples with its enduring reputation as one of the world’s most dangerous countries, the demand for armoured vehicles underscores the persistent need for safety and security among its citizens. For many, investing in armored protection is not merely a luxury but a crucial measure for survival in an increasingly perilous environment.