Hello Mabs.

Given the state of crime in SA, my wife and I have been weighing up getting our two
vehicles armoured for our protection. We are a middle-class family and are worried
about the affordability. What are the options out there?

Mabs Answers:
Your safety is priority and you have reasons to be concerned for you and your family. The recent taxi driver intimidations of motorists and barring them from driving their families through certain routes show how unpredictable and intolerant our roads can be. It’s no surprise that more people are looking at armoured vehicles for peace of mind. In South Africa, you’ll find options from basic ballistic film on windows (more affordable and discreet) to full B4 or B6 armouring, which can handle handguns and even rifles.

But here’s the issue, proper armouring can cost anywhere from R500 000 upwards, plus higher running costs because of added weight and wear on brakes, tyres and
suspension. For a middle-income family, that’s a massive investment. A more practical approach might be defensive driving courses, dashcams, or even a vehicle with advanced safety tech. Armouring is worthwhile if you face very specific risks — otherwise, awareness and smart choices often go further.