Mzansi Man Returns From Mall to Devastating Sight as Thugs Strip Front of His Car in Broad Daylight

• A man in South Africa received the shock of his life after returning to his car from the mall
• The gent showcased what the thugs did to his vehicle in a TikTok video, which gained massive traction online
• People reacted as they flooded the comments section, sharing their opinions on the man's heartbreaking encounter

One young man's world in South Africa came crumbling down after a casual trip to the mall turned into a nightmare.

Young man returns from mall to shocking car scene

Taking to his social media under the handle @sbongajnr, where he shared a clip on the 25th of March 2025 of the devastating surprise that he faced after what was meant to be a quick visit to the mall.

Upon returning to the parking lot, he was stunned to find that the entire front part of his car had been stolen, leaving him heartbroken.

The video, which has gained massive traction on social media, shows the young man walking up to his vehicle, only to be met with the gut-wrenching sight of a missing bonnet, headlights, and front bumper. The brazen theft appeared to have been done in broad daylight, leaving many viewers in disbelief over the boldness of the criminals and how the crime in South Africa has skyrocketed over the years.

The footage of the incident has sparked conversations online about vehicle safety and the need for improved surveillance in public parking spaces. Some users even urged the gent to open a case and push for the mall security clip to help identify the suspects.

Although the video doesn't show the moment the theft happened, the aftermath is enough to leave anyone shaken. The guy’s emotional reaction and disbelief resonated with many, making the clip one of the trending topics on the internet.

Watch the video below:

Top cars targeted by hijackers in SA

Although it’s not clear where this happened, most hijackings and car-related crimes take place in Gauteng, with many cases also reported in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

According to data from Fidelity Services Group and other sources, the following vehicles are the most hijacked in the country:​

1. Volkswagen Polo: A long-standing favourite among criminals due to its popularity and demand for parts.
2. Toyota Hilux: Highly sought after for its durability and resale value.
3. Ford Ranger: Popular in both urban and rural areas, making it a frequent target.
4. Toyota Corolla Cross: Rapidly became a top hijacking target since its 2021 debut.
5. Toyota Fortuner: Valued for its versatility and high demand.
6. Haval Jolion: A new entry, reflecting the rise of Chinese brands in the market.
7. Chery Tiggo 4 Pro: Another newcomer, indicating shifting criminal preferences.
8. Haval H6: Gaining attention due to its increasing popularity.
9. Chery Tiggo 7 Pro: Its growing presence on roads has made it a target.

SA chimes in on the man's car theft video

Mzansi peeps flooded the comments section to express their shock and sympathy. Many shared similar stories of car part theft and raised concerns over parking lot security at malls.

Ntokoto_mdluli said:

"Things get worse before they get better."

User shared:

"At least they left the engine. Mine, they only left the passenger seat."

Noodlesnpasta expressed:

"This country we live in💔."

Smart Move replied:

"At this point, I believe that VW owners expect anything at any time. This is sad. You'll bounce back."

Lindokuhle Zwane stated:

"This is the day I will learn witchcraft."

Airblack911 commented:

"Where did this happen so that we can avoid that place?"

sihlesibiyalo mentioned:

"Polo rules: Avoid parking on the street, and try not to go to crowded areas like the CBD. Park your car before 9pm and stick to shopping at major malls. Don’t give lifts to strangers or hitchhikers. Keep your windows tinted and closed, and avoid refuelling at night."

More stolen car stories from Briefly News

• The woman, who goes by the handle @carolinewoodley on TikTok, shared with her viewers that she left her white Ford at a car wash in Ballito, which was later stolen.
• A woman on TikTok, Phatdzi, lost her first car to hijackers who raced the bakkie out of South Africa within a couple of minutes after the incident.
• A motorist who took his million rand Amarok for a service at VW found themselves in a tight position after the dealership lost his car.

Hilary Sekgota, human interest head of desk at Briefly News, contributed to this article.

Source: Briefly News