Kidnappings are on the rise internationally and in South Africa, with the modus operandi seemingly dependent on the motives for the kidnapping.

This is according to Lizette Lancaster from the Justice and Violence Prevention Programme of the Institute for Security Studies. She says kidnappings for ransom are also getting easier to perpetrate because technology, such as cash transfer systems and cryptocurrency payment systems, makes it more difficult for authorities to trace ransom payments.

Figures released by the SAPS for the period between April and June 2022 showed a 59% increase in reported kidnappings in the country, compared with the same period in 2021, from 2 232 to 3 550. The biggest increase was in Gauteng, with kidnappings skyrocketing from 809 in 2021 to 1 909 in 2022. The only province that saw a decrease in the three months was the Western Cape, from 246 (2021) to 237 (2022).

Caxton Local Media regularly reports on kidnapping cases. The latest report was on November 9.

Read more: New kidnapping trend: Bedfordview police warn people are being hijacked to extort money

The 2022 Global Initiative against Transnational Organised Crime report on Strategic Organised Crime was published in September and provided a detailed analysis of 15 criminal markets, of which kidnappings for ransom and extortion (KRE) were one. The report stated that although KRE account for only 5% of all kidnappings, the rise in cases is a worrying trend.

Lancaster agrees.

“Most kidnappings take place during the commission of another crime such as hijacking or… sexual offences. Recent years have, however, seen increased reports of extortion groups operating across communities in most provinces. Many of these groups also use kidnapping as part of their modus operandi. Kidnapping is a relatively low-risk, high-reward venture and is, therefore, now regarded as an obvious way for organised crime groups and syndicates to diversify their operations.”

There has also been an increase in cases where local crime groups embark on copycat kidnappings because of the success of high-profile kidnappings, says Lancaster.

“Some families are targeted because of their own involvement in illicit business dealings. Often, family members are targeted because of their access to cash either through cash businesses, recent business dealings or inheritances. In some cases, the kidnappings can also be the result of business or personal disputes, with children or relatives held for ransom.

“Foreign-born migrant businesses are also often targeted by extortion groups. These businesses are particularly vulnerable to these crimes because of their migrant status and the cash nature of their businesses. They are less likely to report incidents to the police because of fear of further victimisation by the police asking for documents and, in some cases, bribes.”

Police Minister Bheki Cele last month announced that task teams are investigating high-profile kidnapping cases and the link to criminal syndicates. Lancaster says this is a welcome step, even though the SAPS face an uphill battle in the face of overwhelming crime levels and conflicting crime priorities.

“Generally, armed robberies and kidnappings have become consistent policing challenges. These types of crimes are very responsive to intelligence-driven policing as they are driven by syndicates. The investigation, arrest and interruption of these crime syndicates will make a substantial difference in the number of crimes recorded. In turn, this will positively impact confidence in the police and reduce levels of fear in communities.

“International partnerships with Interpol and other states’ law enforcement agencies are also necessary to deal with transnational criminal syndicates. International co-operation and co-ordination are vital to tracking and tracing illicit proceeds and investigating and dismantling the groups responsible.”