The Sunday Times published an article this weekend on the increasing purchase of armoured vehicles by South Africans. Buying one of these vehicles is a valid decision for many according to a report compiled by the Global Initiative against Organised Crime. In 2022, there were at least 140 targeted murders in the country. Added to this are deaths and injury as a result of carjackings going wrong.
The CEO of MasterDrive says the growth of suppliers of these vehicles and continued growth in buyers is testament to their demand. “If you can afford these vehicles or have higher risk of falling victim to crime, it is not as simple as purchasing your own armoured vehicle, climbing behind the wheel and driving off.
“Driving a vehicle that is armoured is different to driving the unarmoured equivalent of that vehicle. It requires a specialised approach and understanding of how a vehicle is affected by the extra weight and then incorporating this into your driving to become a competent…
