Kidnapping in South Africa has become a silent epidemic; fast, opportunistic, and increasingly targeted. It’s no longer limited to organised syndicates or ransom demands. Today, anyone can be a target, and business owners, professionals, and even children are at risk.
According to the latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics, 17,061 kidnappings were reported between April 2023 and March 2024. That’s an average of 47 kidnappings per day. This marks a staggering 264% increase from the 4,692 cases reported in 2014/2015.
Gauteng remains the country’s kidnapping hotspot, with more than 50% of the national total recorded in the province. KwaZulu-Natal follows, accounting for 20% of reported cases. Areas such as Moroka, Orange Farm, Midrand, Protea, and Tembisa are consistently flagged as high-risk zones.
Most of these cases aren’t sophisticated ransom operations. Instead, they fall under what is known as “express kidnappings”, quick abductions carried out during carjackings or armed robberies. Victims are often forced to withdraw cash at ATMs under duress before being released, and in some cases unfortunately murdered. These abductions can happen in broad daylight or under the cover of early mornings and late evenings, especially along common commuter routes.
Despite the urgency of the situation, one of the most harmful myths persists: that you must wait 24 hours to report a missing person. This is false. In South Africa, you do not need to wait to report someone missing. The moment you suspect something is wrong, whether it’s a missed check-in, an abandoned vehicle, or someone not arriving home, you should report it immediately.
Every second counts. The sooner you act, the better the chances of recovery.
If someone you know goes missing or is suspected to have been kidnapped, take the following steps:
- Go directly to your nearest police station and open a case. Provide as much detail as possible, including the person’s full name, age, recent photo, what they were wearing, and where they were last seen.
- Request a case number and the name and contact details of the investigating officer.
- Call SAPS on 10111 or contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 to share further information.
- Alert your local community policing forum, neighbourhood watch, and private security companies in your area. Mobilising your community quickly increases visibility and response.
- Preserve all possible evidence. Don’t touch the scene of the incident, and be sure to secure CCTV footage, dashcam video, and any eyewitness accounts.
- Share verified information carefully on social media and WhatsApp groups. Keep the messaging consistent and avoid spreading unconfirmed details that can cause panic or harm investigations.
In addition to knowing what to do when a kidnapping occurs, there are proactive steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Vary your routes and travel times regularly to avoid establishing a predictable routine.
- Keep your social media private and avoid sharing live location, travel plans, or displays of wealth.
- Use vetted service providers and suppliers and do background checks on employees.
- Install CCTV, access control, panic buttons, and tracking systems at home, work, and in vehicles.
- Conduct kidnap awareness and safety training for your family, staff, and drivers.
- Join a community safety group and partner with a trusted armed response company.
The threat is real, but so is your ability to prepare and protect yourself. Kidnapping may be a growing crisis, but the right knowledge and response can save lives.
At FIRM, we believe that community awareness, fast action, and proactive planning are the keys to staying safe in an unpredictable environment.
You don’t have to wait. You don’t have to be a victim. You just must be ready.