Bulletproof transport has become increasingly popular among people fed-up with South Africa’s high crime rate.
This doesn’t just apply to celebrities, VIPs and politicians. Armoured cars are becoming more popular among South Africans who want to feel safer, given the rampant crime rates. ‘Once you’re used to an armoured vehicle, you feel naked in a vehicle that isn’t,’ said SVI Engineering’s Business development manager Nicol Louw in Biznews.
South Africa is one of the most murderous countries in the world, as well as being considered the hijack capital.
According to StatsSA 99 000 hijackings (estimated) took place during the 2019/2020 period. Vehicle theft was estimated at 88 000, with 45 000 being in Gauteng.
Louw says the demand for bulletproof vehicles in South Africa is high, particularly for businesses, but for private citizens too. ‘If you need to drive your kids around, you want to be safe.’
The riots that gripped KZN and parts of Gauteng in July resulted in a ‘definite spike’ in demand. ‘We are building quite a few vehicles for KwaZulu-Natal clients,’ says Louw.
Most popular are the double-cab bakkies. Already built to carry heavier loads, they are also more cost-effective to armour. B4 armouring provides protection from handguns. People can also have B6 protection, which can sustain gunfire from an AK-47.
Louw says B4 protection costs R432 000, and B6, R655 000 (both excluding VAT).
B6 is the highest level of protection available to a civilian without their requiring a special permit.