Wealthy residents not the only targets for ransom kidnappings – SAPS
The police made subsequent arrests, and the suspects now face charges of kidnapping and murder.
The surge in kidnappings for ransom in SA has sparked widespread concern among authorities and residents.
Once considered rare, these incidents have become increasingly common, prompting calls for heightened vigilance.
The recent arrest of two suspects in late January brought renewed attention to the issue following the disappearance of a resident on Talisman Road in Bedfordview.
Concerned neighbours reported the man missing on January 16, prompting an investigation by the Bedfordview SAPS.
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The investigation led to the discovery of the man’s body at Lindokuhle informal settlement in Johannesburg.
The police made subsequent arrests, and the suspects now face charges of kidnapping and murder.
In November 2022, the SAPS apprehended two people for the abduction of a 28-year-old man from a Cleveland informal settlement.
The kidnappers demanded a ransom of R400 000, only to be thwarted by law enforcement during the ransom exchange.
In a separate incident this January, the SAPS Anti-Kidnapping Task Team rescued a Nigerian businessman after being kidnapped in Fordsburg on January 10.
The team traced the man and seven Nigerian suspects to a lodge in Randburg, where they arrested the seven.
The team also recovered money withdrawn from the businessman’s bank account.
Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said at the time that the Anti-Kidnapping Task Team had arrested about 300 suspects in the past two years, involving cases of victims kidnapped for ransom.
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Gauteng recorded 2 367 kidnappings between October and December 2023, contributing significantly to the national figure of 4 577 reported cases during the same period.
Police Minister Bheki Cele warned last September that kidnapping syndicates target not only wealthy individuals and their families but also university students, highlighting the widespread nature of this crime trend.
Yusuf Abramjee of Crime Watch also sounded the alarm, noting that while organised crime syndicates are believed to be behind major ransom cases, smaller groups of criminals operating in and around Gauteng suburbs are increasingly engaging in kidnapping for quick financial gain, with a rise in cases linked to hijackings where they take the motorists and their cars.
After the Gauteng kidnapping statistics were released, Bandile Masuku, the chairperson of the Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety, also expressed concern about the trend.
“It is shockingly high, but we have realised that issues related to crime or different types of crime categories become fashionable and seasonal, increasing depending on the time,” Masuku said, emphasising the need for concerted efforts to address this growing crime threat.
Kidnapping for ransom is a harrowing crime that can devastate families and communities.
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While no one is immune to this threat, residents are urged to implement proactive measures to minimise the risk of becoming a victim.
Report to the police
Contrary to popular belief, the SAPS reminded residents there is no waiting period to report a missing person.
To aid in the investigation, residents must provide a recent photograph of the missing person, if available.
Additionally, people reporting a missing person should give the investigating officer a detailed description of the person’s last known whereabouts and the clothing they wore.
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Remember to complete and sign a SAPS 55(A) form.
It helps safeguard the SAPS from hoax reports, but allows them to distribute the photograph and information of the missing person effectively.
Obtain the contact details of the investigating officer and provide any additional information that may become available during the investigation.
If a missing person is found or returns voluntarily, it is imperative to inform the investigating officer immediately.
