Security risk assessment – Kidnapping has become a quick and profitable option for criminals in South Africa.

This article provides an overview of the facts and statistics related to kidnappings in the country, highlighting how this crime has evolved into a highly profitable business.

When conducting independent security risk assessments, we delve into the concept of kidnapping, outlining what it entails. Notably, this article only scratches the surface. Over the past 2–3 years, the profile of VIPs has changed significantly. VIPs are no longer just corporate heads; their profile has broadened. Reviewing this updated profile is crucial.

We recently conducted an independent security risk assessment for a private residence in Mossel Bay, including a kidnapping assessment to identify risks standard evaluations often overlook. This approach enables practical measures to be recommended, improving the overall safety and security of the property.

If you would like to learn more about our assessments or have specific topics you would like us to cover, please email your suggestions to andre@alwinco.co.za. We will create and publish articles tailored to your interests on our website.

An independent security risk assessment is a thorough investigation that urges you, as a client, business owner, or company director, to seriously consider the threat of kidnapping.

You must understand your security risks, the nature of the crime, potential solutions, and how to communicate with clients, friends, and family, including the importance of silent communication.

A comprehensive risk assessment covers these aspects in various sections, emphasizing the importance of surveillance and, most critically, the criminal’s perspective on what constitutes a VIP. The security risk becomes more severe when companies lack clear guidelines, standard operating procedures, or policies to handle criminal activities such as group assassinations, assassination threats, and kidnapping.

South African statistics for 2022 and 2023 reveal a disturbing rise in kidnapping cases, with over 15,000 cases documented nationwide.

This means around 50 cases per day. Gauteng province is currently the hotspot, with over 7,000 cases, while KwaZulu-Natal follows with more than 3,000 cases.

The World Population Review ranks South Africa as having the sixth-highest kidnapping rate globally. Is this not a terrifying fact? Willem Els, Training Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies, has detailed the kidnapping trend we currently face in South Africa, noting a 260% rise in reported kidnappings over the past decade.

In the last quarter alone, there have been 4,500 reported kidnapping cases, highlighting the daily increase we face with these crimes.

The Transnational Crime Index for South Africa is equally alarming, ranking the country third in Africa and seventh worldwide. These rankings underscore the depth of the issues related to organized crime.

High unemployment rates and economic instability create fertile ground for such criminal activities. The surge in kidnappings is closely linked to South Africa’s economic challenges. For South African criminals, kidnappings are becoming increasingly lucrative as a quick way to make money. These criminals are often connected to organized crime syndicates, becoming bolder and more sophisticated in their methods.

The syndicates committing these crimes are growing in number and power, overwhelming law enforcement.

These groups are extremely adaptable, well-organized, and continuously refine their strategies, making it increasingly difficult for the police to keep up, which escalates the frequency and seriousness of kidnappings.

Types of kidnappings in South Africa:

Kidnappings for ransom:

Criminal syndicates meticulously plan these kidnappings, thoroughly researching their victims before abduction. The wealthy, their families, and business people are prime targets. Kidnappers often demand large sums of money and threaten harm or death if the ransom is not paid. Psychological manipulation by the kidnappers causes significant trauma to the victims and their families. In such cases, the police urge that ransoms not be paid, as this only encourages further crimes. However, this creates a catch-22 situation, as loved ones often feel compelled to pay for the safe return of their family members, perpetuating the cycle of crime.

Express Kidnappings:

These kidnappings involve more opportunity and less planning. Victims are often hijacked and forced to provide access to mobile banking apps or taken to ATMs to withdraw money. Because these kidnappings are so quick, they are referred to as express kidnappings. The criminals often release the victims after receiving the money they wanted. However, after obtaining the money, some criminals kill their victims, adding a lethal dimension to kidnappings. These criminals see women and children as easy targets, with statistics showing that 85% of kidnapping victims are women and children. The psychological and emotional toll on victims is profound, with many suffering long-term trauma.

The most heartbreaking aspect of the kidnapping crisis is the fate of young women and children.

Criminals abduct many of them for ransom or sex trafficking. Drug and kidnapping syndicates are closely linked to human trafficking, forcing many victims into sex work or other forms of exploitation. Criminals often smuggle victims out of the country, making it almost impossible to find and rescue them.

Case Studies and Real-Life Incidents:

Several high-profile kidnapping cases have garnered national attention.

In one recent case, kidnappers abducted two children from Hartbeespoort Dam in March. Authorities eventually located the children and discovered that a police officer had been involved, shocking the community to its core. This case highlights the corruption within the system. Such incidents, where corrupt police officers are involved in kidnapping, undermine public trust in law enforcement and cause victims and their families to hesitate in reporting these crimes. As a result, many kidnapping cases go unreported, further complicating efforts to address the kidnapping crisis in South Africa.

Another significant kidnapping case involved Nqabayomzi Kwankwa,

Deputy President of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), who was kidnapped and released after a ransom was paid. This case received widespread attention and illustrates the dilemma that families and law enforcement face when dealing with kidnappings. Highly organized kidnapping syndicates even target individuals who receive payouts from the RAF (Road Accident Fund) on the same day they receive the funds. They often demand a ransom equal to the exact amount the victim received from the RAF, indicating complicity within the system.

The current kidnapping crisis presents an opportunity to significantly overhaul the legal and law enforcement sectors in South Africa.

The appointment of a new National Commissioner and Minister of Police may provide fresh insights and approaches to tackle the kidnapping crisis. Redesigning, reallocating, and rearranging resources can address this urgent issue. Enhancing the capacity of law enforcement to gather and assess criminal intelligence will enable proactive measures to prevent kidnappings. Strengthening investigative capabilities will prevent the abandonment of kidnapping cases and hold those responsible accountable. This strategy will deter similar crimes in the future.

Improving the relationship between the community and the police is also essential.

Increased public confidence in law enforcement will encourage more people to report kidnappings and assist with investigations. Training police personnel to handle kidnapping cases with tact and speed will improve response times and outcomes.

Conclusion:

The South African kidnapping crisis is a complex problem that requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. With more than 15,000 cases documented in the past year, the crisis is serious and demands immediate attention. Institutional corruption, organized crime, and financial hardships all play a role in the multifaceted problem of kidnapping.

Addressing this situation requires implementing targeted reforms, encouraging community involvement, and strengthening law enforcement capacities. South Africans can combat the scourge of kidnapping and restore safety and security to their communities by joining forces. The community can become more involved by being aware of their surroundings and taking precautions, especially regarding their online presence. Social media often provides these criminals with more than enough information on potential targets.

By limiting the amount of personal information shared publicly on social media and exercising caution, individuals can reduce the risk of becoming a potential target.

While there is still a long way to go, coordinated efforts and a commitment to change can help turn the tide against this growing threat.

To view the Full interview with Willem Els: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFIU0wOid2c int

Alwinco conducts independent security risk assessments all over South Africa. We have a very strong footprint in Gauteng (Hatfield, Braamfontein, Carlswald, Fourways, and Centurion), Bloemfontein, Durban, and Cape Town.

Article written by Andre Mundell. Always read your independent security risk assessment report. #security risk assessment: kidnapping.