In the face of escalating crime rates plaguing South Africa, more and more citizens are turning to armoured vehicles to safeguard themselves and their loved ones, both at home and on the streets.
According to statistics from the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), murders have surged by a staggering 77% since 2012, while car hijackings have more than doubled, reaching a concerning 22,742 incidents in 2023. 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.
Such grim realities have become so commonplace that South Africans have grown desensitized to the headlines of violence. Consequently, the demand for armoured vehicles has skyrocketed, driving a booming industry across the nation.
SVI Armoured Civilian Vehicles
Leading the charge is Pretoria-based manufacturer SVI, reporting a remarkable 50% year-on-year growth in turnover over the past three years. In 2023 alone, the company delivered a record-breaking 200 armoured vehicles to customers.
Nicol Louw, SVI’s business development director, emphasized the cyclical nature of the armoured vehicle market, with spikes in demand typically following major crime events, such as the KZN riots of 2021.
Yusuf Moolla, marketing manager of Armoured Mobility, echoed this sentiment, attributing the surge in demand to heightened crime levels and increased awareness of available protective solutions. “Kidnappings and violent attacks are on the rise,” Moolla stated, noting a preference for B6 protection against high-caliber weapons among potential targets.
Armoured vehicles offer varying levels of protection, with B6 installations providing robust defense against a wide array of threats, while B4 armour offers a more affordable solution primarily safeguarding against handguns. Prices for armoured vehicle conversions typically start around R500,000, excluding the base vehicle cost.
Beyond protection from bullets, armoured vehicles afford a sense of security in everyday scenarios, enabling drivers to navigate risky situations with confidence. “Your ballistic protection is what it’s all about,” emphasized Nicol Louw, emphasizing the peace of mind that armoured vehicles provide in the face of unpredictable dangers.
Despite the prevalence of crime, many South Africans are unwilling or unable to leave their homeland, making safety a paramount concern. As a result, the demand for armoured vehicles continues to surge, driven by a fundamental need to protect lives and preserve peace of mind in an increasingly uncertain environment.