UKZN PhD graduate Dr Lennox Luzipo's study decodes Durban’s car crime syndicates.
Image: Sethu Dlamini
A study uncovered the sophisticated and evolving tactics used by motor vehicle robbery and theft syndicates operating in Durban’s Berea area, revealing how criminal groups adapt their methods depending on their victims' profiles.
Dr Lennox Luzipo, graduated this week with a PhD in criminology and forensic studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Luzipo, who previously worked as a security guard, decided to pursue his studies when he realised there was no growth in that role.
For his PhD, Luzipo, 62, from Chesterville in Durban conducted in-depth interviews with 10 incarcerated offenders housed at six KwaZulu-Natal Correctional Services centres in Kokstad, eManpangeni, Westville Prison and Pietermaritzburg as part of his research.
Among those interviewed was an inmate serving time at the super-maximum security eBongweni Correctional Centre in Kokstad.
The study, titled “Organised Nature of Modus Operandi on Motor Vehicle Robberies and Thefts in Berea, Durban,” found that offenders do not rely on a single method when targeting vehicles. Instead, syndicates use highly calculated and victim-specific approaches that vary significantly according to the nationality of their targets.
"Due to the high crime statistics in hijacking and vehicle theft, I wanted to explore the modus operandi, the different aspects and what makes them change. I looked at kingpins who were organising the operations," said Luzipo.
According to the research, most local victims are subjected to direct and violent confrontations.
Luzipo described these incidents as involving “aggressive, physical confrontations, such as stalking and boxing in the victim’s car to force a stop,” adding that these crimes are often driven by opportunistic conditions in everyday traffic situations.
However, the study found that when foreign nationals are targeted, syndicates employ more elaborate tactics. These operations often involve victims being lured and trapped using fake police vehicles before being subjected to psychological intimidation and threats aimed at forcing compliance.
"The research also highlighted the increasing use of technology by criminal syndicates and raised concerns about alleged collusion involving law enforcement members and people working at car dealerships," he said.
Luzipo said: “Offenders tend to adapt to increased vehicle security; while measures such as alarms and immobilisers reduce basic theft, they have led to more violent crimes. Using counter-technologies such as reprogrammed key fobs, offenders have responded by demonstrating how criminal methods evolve alongside prevention strategies.
"Criminals are also using drones to look into properties that are not easily visible from the outside due to high walls," he said.
Luzipo’s findings further suggest that some syndicates deliberately cultivate relationships with police officers to gain access to sensitive information and weaken law enforcement efforts.
The study states that syndicates systematically transform police officers from “capable guardians” into criminal informants through calculated trust-building tactics.
“This allows offenders to control the very entity meant to stop them. But there are also officers who are trying their best to apprehend the suspects," said Luzipo.
Luzipo's research recommends stronger collaboration between police and communities, expanded public awareness campaigns, enhanced law enforcement training, and the wider use of advanced vehicle technology.
Luzipo said a broader and more coordinated response is needed to effectively combat organised vehicle-related crime in South Africa.
“By addressing the root causes of these crimes and fostering a collaborative approach among all stakeholders, it is possible to enhance public safety and contribute to a broader understanding of organised crime dynamics in South Africa,” said Luzipo.