More than 2 000 kidnapping cases were reported with the police in the last quarter of 2021 with an increase in this crime reported in most provinces in South Africa.

The Citizen reported that 2,605 kidnapping cases were opened with the police between October and December last year, resulting in 686 more cases compared to 2020.

There was a decline in this crime trend in only two provinces – the Free State and Western Cape. The other seven provinces recorded increases in kidnappings.

Thus it is important for communities to know what to do in the case of someone being kidnapped.

Here are tips previously supplied to the Northcliff Melville Times by the police:

What to do when being kidnapped

• Co-operate with your kidnappers to avoid injuries
• Do not argue with or lie to the kidnappers
• Avoid eye contact with the kidnappers and be submissive
• If possible, try and remember the road you were on when kidnapped and directions you went in
• Eat whatever is given to you to uphold your strength
• Try to keep track of time by marking days or hours as you perceive it, this will help you to remain calm and orientated.

What will be needed when reporting the incident to the police

• A clear and recent photo of the hostage/victim
• Description of the last clothing the victim was seen in
• Details of any medication the victim may be on may be required
• The contact numbers of the victim
• If possible, the contact number/details used by kidnappers.

What to do when someone close to you has been kidnapped

• Although you will be informed not to contact the police, the first thing you need to do is report the kidnapping and all its details to your nearest police station
• Do not argue with kidnappers while talking to them
• Avoid agreeing to any ransom being made by the kidnappers
• If possible, try to speak to the person who is kidnapped every time whenever the kidnappers contact you
• If possible, record all phone calls between you and the kidnappers
• Make notes of all the demands to ensure you remember them correctly.