High crime levels see a trend in general public bulletproofing their vehicles

Gugs Mhlungu spoke to Motoring Enthusiast, Kumbi Mtshakazi.

Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.

There is reportedly a trend in the general public seeking to armour or bulletproof their vehicles.

"It's obviously crime-related."

- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast

These vehicles have always been around; normally used by diplomats, government officials and business people.

According to a recent article on the Sowetan Live website, the armoured vehicle market has a variety of service providers and offerings targeted at civilian buyers.

The article states that SVI Engineering is one of the more prominent players in this industry. 

"SVI Engineering has obviously noticed a gap in this market; they started creating armoured vehicles in 2004."

- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast

The company offers three levels of protection:

• The B4 package offers protection against handguns up to a .44 Magnum
• The B4+ has an increased level of protection to AK47 level 
• The B6 grade withstands assault rifles up to 7.62mmx51mm, including AK47s

This type of safety does come at a hefty cost; ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of rands, says Mtshakazi.

"It is not cheap at all… If you do have that money, I would 100% armour a car as well."

- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast

"You can never be extra safe in our country at the moment."

- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast

If you are interested in bulletproofing your vehicle, Mtshakazi says it's important to note that armoured plates can add up to 600 kilograms onto your vehicle depending on the protection package you choose.

"It does impact engine performance, fuel efficiency and of course tyre wear."

- Kumbi Mtshakazi, Motoring Enthusiast

Scroll up to listen to the full interview.