CEO of Fidelity Services Group, Wahl Bartmann, warns the public not to be naïve about the profile of victims or kidnappers’ motivations.

According to SAPS statistics, 3 641 cases of kidnapping were registered in South Africa in the first quarter of 2023/2024 (April to June 2023).

Gauteng had the highest number of cases. The top five hotspots in Gauteng are Vosloorus, Thembisa, Midrand, Protea and Orange Farm.

He says this kind of crime necessitates a highly specialist approach and is handled within the group by a specialist task team.

“We have specialist tactical intervention and reinforcement teams to manage this high-risk criminal action. They work behind the scenes in often dangerous circumstances to ensure that customers and assets are kept safe,” says Bartmann.

He says 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 SA has seen its fair share of these over the years, the ordinary man in the street is easily a target too,” Bartmann says.

An increasingly prevalent trend in recent times is “express kidnappings” where motorists are hijacked and driven in their 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.

To avoid falling victim to kidnappers, Bartmann says being vigilant around your safety is imperative at all times.

Here are 6 important tips:

1. Don’t be flashy with expensive jewelry and other items in public.

2. Vary your routines or periodically change travel routes.

3. Don’t engage with strangers.

4. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially when leaving and arriving home.

5. Secure your home, particularly the perimeter with electric fencing, proper lighting, and CCTV.

6. If threatened, attract attention.