Kempton Park recorded 76 kidnapping cases between April and June 2026, marking a 58.3% increase compared to the same period last year and the highest figure in Gauteng.

The figures were highlighted following a stakeholder engagement convened by the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety on Friday, September 18, to examine the growing prevalence, causes and impact of kidnapping in the province.

The latest SAPS crime statistics show that Gauteng recorded 2 367 kidnapping cases during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year, accounting for more than half of the 4 638 cases recorded nationally during the quarter.

Also read: Three arrested in connection with Robert Wolk shooting

The Gauteng Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has called for an urgent and coordinated response to the problem, including strengthened intelligence gathering, targeted operations in identified hotspots and greater coordination between law-enforcement agencies.

Kidnapping cases rise sharply

Kempton Park’s 76 kidnapping cases represent an increase of 28 from the 48 recorded between April and June 2025.

During the stakeholder engagement, SAPS indicated that its organised crime teams had dealt with ransom kidnapping cases in Bekkersdal and Roodepoort during the first quarter of the current financial year.

A ransom of R5 million was reportedly demanded in a Bekkersdal case, while R3 million was demanded in a Roodepoort case.

Also read: Police investigate fatal shooting at Zuurfontein intersection

Kempton Park among top 30 nationally for 16 categories

The Kempton Express analysed the latest SAPS crime statistics and compared Kempton Park’s figures for April to June 2026 with those recorded during the same period in 2025.

Of the 33 crime categories contained in the official statistics, Kempton Park appeared among the top 30 police stations nationally in 16 categories.

Several categories also placed Kempton Park among the highest-reporting precincts in Gauteng.

Community-reported serious crime

Kempton Park ranked 22nd nationally and eighth provincially for community-reported serious crime.

There were 1 232 cases reported between April and June 2025, compared with 1 308 during the same period in 2026.

This represents an increase of 76 cases, or 6.2%.

Abduction

Kempton Park ranked 14th nationally and seventh provincially for abduction.

One case was reported between April and June 2026, compared with none during the same period in 2025.

Burglary at non-residential premises

Kempton Park ranked 21st nationally and seventh provincially for burglary at non-residential premises.

Cases increased from 26 in April to June 2025 to 43 during the same period in 2026.

Carjacking

Kempton Park ranked fourth nationally and third provincially for carjacking.

The number of cases increased by 10, from 44 in the first quarter of 2025 to 54 in the first quarter of 2026.

This represents a 22.7% increase.

Commercial crime

Commercial crime increased from 263 cases between April and June 2025 to 279 during the same period in 2026.

The 16 additional cases placed Kempton Park 11th nationally and eighth provincially.

Also read: More than 1 000 wanted suspects arrested in Gauteng operations

Contact sexual offences

Kempton Park ranked 11th nationally and second provincially for contact sexual offences.

Two cases were recorded between April and June 2026, compared with none during the same period in 2025.

Crimen injuria

Kempton Park ranked third nationally and first provincially for crimen injuria.

The category increased from 81 cases in the first quarter of 2025 to 114 in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 40.7%.

Crimen injuria is a common-law offence involving the unlawful and intentional impairment of another person’s dignity or privacy.

Culpable homicide

Kempton Park ranked second nationally and first provincially for culpable homicide.

There were 13 cases reported between April and June 2025, compared with 21 during the same period in 2026.

Kidnapping statistics

Kidnapping recorded one of the most significant increases.

Cases rose from 48 between April and June 2025 to 76 during the same period in 2026.

The 28 additional cases represent a 58.3% increase, placing Kempton Park first in Gauteng for the category.

Other serious crime

Kempton Park ranked 17th nationally and ninth provincially in the category of other serious crime.

Cases declined slightly, from 520 in the first quarter of 2025 to 512 in the first quarter of 2026.

This represents a reduction of eight cases, or 1.5%.

Robbery at non-residential premises

Kempton Park ranked 16th nationally and ninth provincially for robbery at non-residential premises.

There were 16 cases reported between April and June 2026, compared with 17 during the same period in 2025.

Robbery with aggravating circumstances

Kempton Park ranked 11th nationally and fifth provincially for robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Cases increased from 161 in the first quarter of 2025 to 194 in the first quarter of 2026.

This represents an increase of 33 cases, or 20.5%.

Theft of motor vehicles or motorcycles

Kempton Park ranked 16th nationally and 11th provincially for theft of motor vehicles or motorcycles.

Cases increased slightly from 64 to 65, an increase of 1.6%.

Theft out of or from motor vehicles

Kempton Park ranked 11th nationally and third provincially for theft out of or from motor vehicles.

A total of 152 cases were recorded between April and June 2026, compared with 150 during the same period in 2025.

Trio crimes

Kempton Park ranked 15th nationally and ninth provincially for trio crimes.

Cases increased from 70 in the first quarter of 2025 to 79 in the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 12.9%.

Truck hijacking

Kempton Park ranked second nationally and second provincially for truck hijacking.

There was, however, a decline in reported cases, from 16 between April and June 2025 to 13 during the same period in 2026.

Committee calls for urgent action

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has urged law-enforcement agencies to respond to kidnapping through improved intelligence gathering, coordinated operations and increased engagement with affected communities.

The committee has also called on residents to report suspicious activity and provide information that could assist investigators.