Cape Town – Law enforcement sources report a worrying escalation in kidnapping incidents across South Africa, with what began as syndicate-led abductions of wealthy or high-profile people now spreading to affect everyday citizens.
According to The Citizen, the SAPS anti-kidnapping task team has made 437 arrests, secured 68 convictions, and recovered 182 firearms since its establishment in November 2021. The unit also reported ransom demands totalling R1.8 billion, of which R150 million was paid and about R28 million recovered.
As stated by Major-General Feroz Khan, who heads the unit, the police are no longer only reacting to abductions but are working “around the clock” to prevent them, through predictive data and partnerships with private security.
The scale of the problem is reflected in national crime figures.
As reported by IOL, between October and December 2024, there were 4,748 kidnappings nationwide. Gauteng accounted for 2,499 cases, KwaZulu-Natal 901, the Western Cape 275, and the Eastern Cape 205, while the Northern Cape recorded the fewest with 43.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS), as reported by Polity, stated that Gauteng represents about 51% of all kidnappings nationally, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 20%, the Western Cape and Mpumalanga with 6% each, and the Eastern Cape with 5%. The ISS analysis also noted that 66% of kidnappings are linked to aggravated robberies and hijackings, while only about 4% involve ransom demands.
Gauteng’s problem is particularly acute.
According to EWN, Deputy Provincial Commissioner Fred Kekana confirmed that between January and March 2025 the province recorded 144 ransom-related kidnappings.
He warned that syndicates remain highly organised and lucrative despite repeated police crackdowns.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
