After a Robbery or Hijacking

If you are in danger right now: get to a safe, busy place and call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. If anyone is hurt, call an ambulance on 10177.

A robbery or hijacking happens fast, but the shock can last a long time. You may be shaking, numb, or unable to stop thinking about it. You did the right thing by staying alive. Now take it one step at a time.

What is happening

After a robbery or hijacking, your body is still in survival mode. Your heart may race, your hands may shake, and your memory of what happened may feel patchy. This is normal. Details often come back later.

In South Africa, report the crime at any police station and get a case number. Insurance, your bank, your cellphone network and tracking companies will ask for it. If your phone was taken, criminals may try to get into your bank or social media. Blocking your SIM and bank cards quickly protects you.

Many people feel unsafe driving, going home or walking the same route afterwards. It is common to feel guilt, anger or shame. You were not to blame. Support in the first weeks helps many people recover sooner.

Signs to notice

• You keep seeing the robber or the weapon in your mind
• You feel panic when you drive, stop at a robot or arrive home
• You cannot sleep or have nightmares
• You are snapping at people or crying often
• You avoid driving or going out
• You blame yourself for what happened

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111 or 112 from a mobile.

• Are you still in danger or being followed?
• Were you or anyone with you injured?
• Were your keys, ID or phone with your address taken?
• Are you having flashbacks or nightmares?
• Is fear stopping you from driving, working or going out?
• Are you drinking or using more to calm down?

0-1 yes: If your yes was the first question, get help now: 10111 or 112. Otherwise, take the practical steps below and rest.
2-3 yes: The shock is still active. Talk to someone this week.
4 or more yes: You have been through a lot. Call the Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline on 0800 212 146 today and ask for trauma support. If you were injured, see a doctor today.

What you can do next

• Today: Get safe. Call your bank to block cards, and your network to block your SIM. Report the crime and get a case number. If keys were taken, change locks.
• This week: Contact your insurer and tracking company. Replace your ID at Home Affairs if it was taken. Tell your employer if you need a few days.
• This month: Slowly return to driving and your usual routes with a trusted person. If fear is not easing, see a counsellor.
• Change passwords for email, banking and social media, starting with email.
• Tell children who were there what happened in simple words, and let them ask questions.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - a quick check of your safety right now, with the number to call first and your next step.

When to get professional help

Get professional help if fear, flashbacks or avoidance last more than a month, or if they stop you from working or looking after your family. Trauma counselling is effective, and early help usually means faster recovery.
Who can help: emergency services, counsellor, psychologist, doctor

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): report the crime and get a case number. From a mobile, 112 also works.
• Ambulance (10177): if anyone is hurt.
• Victim Empowerment Programme (Department of Social Development): counselling and support.
• Home Affairs (dha.gov.za): replace a stolen ID.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): trauma support any time.