As South Africa enters the festive season, crime experts are raising an alarm over the increased risks faced by citizens travelling and celebrating during this busy period. The festive season, traditionally marked by bonus payouts, stokvel collections, and heightened travel to visit family and loved ones, is also a time when criminal activity such as robberies, hijackings, and cash-in-transit thefts tends to spike. Authorities are urging the public to exercise heightened caution to avoid becoming victims.
Independent crime researcher Calvin Rafadi has once again stressed the dangers of hitchhiking, highlighting a recent horrific crime linked to the practice. According to Rafadi, while hitchhiking is often portrayed as a harmless or even adventurous activity in popular culture, it carries significant risks for both passengers and drivers.
“Hitchhikers can fall prey to kidnapping, assault, or robbery, while drivers picking up strangers may also be targeted by criminals posing as passengers,” Rafadi explained. He pointed to express kidnappings, where victims are forced to withdraw or transfer money, as one of the most dangerous outcomes of accepting rides from unknown individuals.
Rafadi noted that although hitchhiking remains legal in many parts of the country, it is inherently unsafe because it involves interaction with strangers, often in isolated areas where help is limited. “During the festive season, criminals actively exploit the fact that people are travelling longer distances, sometimes relying on public transport or informal ride options to avoid long queues at taxi ranks,” he said.
In addition to the direct risks of theft or assault, Rafadi highlighted the potential for confrontations between taxi marshals and drivers transporting hitchhikers. “Taxi marshals often become frustrated with trucks or private vehicles carrying hitchhikers. This can lead to disputes, damage to vehicles, and delays for commuters. People arriving late at their destinations may find themselves even more vulnerable to criminal activity,” he said.
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant, plan journeys carefully, and avoid travelling late at night wherever possible. Rafadi emphasised that simple precautions, such as arranging safe transport in advance, sharing travel plans with family or friends, and being aware of surroundings, can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to crime during the festive season.
Government officials have echoed these warnings. The Acting Police Minister, speaking during the 2025 festive season launch, urged South Africans to prioritise safety on the roads, in communities, and at public events. Authorities noted that collective vigilance is necessary to ensure that citizens can enjoy the festive season without falling prey to opportunistic criminals.
“The festive period is a time of celebration, but it is also a time when crime tends to spike,” Rafadi said. “People need to remain alert, particularly when using informal transport options like hitchhiking, and take proactive steps to protect themselves and their families.”
Police and crime experts have highlighted additional seasonal risks, including cash-in-transit heists, home burglaries, and increased road accidents, often linked to the high volume of travel and alcohol consumption during this period. Citizens are urged to be mindful of their surroundings, secure their belongings, and report suspicious activity immediately.
Rafadi concluded by reiterating the importance of situational awareness and personal safety. “Travel with caution, avoid picking up strangers or accepting rides from unknown individuals, and plan your journeys ahead of time. The festive season should be a time of joy, but that joy can quickly turn to tragedy if safety is neglected,” he said.
As families and communities celebrate the holidays, the key message from law enforcement and independent experts remains clear: vigilance and caution are critical to preventing crime and ensuring that the festive season remains safe for all South Africans.
