In South Africa, Toyota cars are notably targeted by criminals, with thieves stealing an average of 66 cars per day according to recent police statistics. This has prompted Toyota to introduce anti-theft technology specifically tailored for the South African market. The thefts often occur in urban areas like Gauteng (including Pretoria and Johannesburg), where residents face a higher risk of such crimes. The Western Cape (including Cape Town) and Kwa-Zulu Natal (including Durban) also experience significant incidents of car thefts and other criminal activities.
South Africa’s major cities consistently rank among the world’s most dangerous places due to high crime rates. Recent figures from Operation Shanela, aimed at reducing crime, highlight the scale of the issue, with over half a million arrests made in a year and significant police action against suspects resisting arrest. This underscores ongoing security challenges faced by residents and tourists alike in South Africa.