There’s an increasing trend of kidnappings’ where victims are hijacked and driven to an ATM and forced to withdraw money. Some victims are found dead and dumped.
According SAPS statistics, 3 641 cases of kidnapping were registered in South Africa in the first quarter of 2023/2024 (April to June 2023).
Gauteng followed by KZN and Mpumalanga had the most kidnappings out of cases reported in all nine provinces.
The Northern Cape and Free State recorded the lowest number.
Gauteng’s top five hotspots are:
* Vosloorus,
* Thembisa,
* Midrand,
* Protea and Orange Farm.
Everyday in Tembisa alone, a person is found dead and dumped. When most people hear of a kidnapping, they immediately think net-worth businessperson being held for a ransom of millions. While this is indeed true and our country has seen fair share of these over the years, the ordinary man in the street is easily a target too.
An increasingly prevalent trend in recent times is “express kidnappings” where motorists are hijacked and driven in their own vehicle or another vehicle to an ATM and forced to withdraw cash.
They are then also robbed of valuables before being left at an isolated location.
Criminal organisations, such as drug cartels, terrorist organisations and criminal gangs, target people they can gain financially from, there’s a political reason or the deed will help them to exert control over a particular area. Political extremists may target government officials, diplomats or foreigners to advance their agendas or make demands.
To avoid falling victim to kidnappers, Citizens are urged to be vigilant, their personal safety is always imperative. Most of the same precautions you would take in everyday life in South Africa apply, as does common sense.
Here are 6 important tips:
* Don’t be flashy with expensive jewellery and other items in public.
* Vary your routines or periodically change travel routes.
* Don’t engage with strangers.
* Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when leaving and arriving home.
* Secure your home, particularly the perimeter with electric fencing, proper lighting and CCTV.
* If threatened, attract attention.
