South Africa is facing a growing crisis as children increasingly become targets for kidnappings, with an alarming average of 50 cases reported daily across the country.
The situation has raised serious concerns among anti-crime activists and experts, who are highlighting the need for urgent interventions to address this.
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal have emerged as hotspots for kidnappings, particularly targeting well-known and wealthy families. However, cases in other provinces, including the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, are also on the rise.
According to Yusuf Abramjee, an anti-crime activist, the country has witnessed a surge in kidnappings over the past few years, with two main categories identified.
The first involves ‘express kidnappings,’ where victims are held for ransom or robbed over a short period before being released.
The second category comprises well-planned and orchestrated kidnappings targeting specific individuals, such as shopkeepers or foreign nationals.
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Recent incidents, such as the abduction of Zahraa Mohamed and Mohamed Bataviya, have shed light on the severity of the issue.
These kidnappings, believed to be orchestrated by highly dangerous syndicates, show the need for comprehensive strategies to combat organised crime.
While the police have established an Anti-Kidnapping Task Team, concerns remain about the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts.
Despite some arrests, suspects have been released on bail, contributing to ongoing attacks.
Lizette Lancaster from the Institute of Security Studies emphasises the significant increase in reported kidnappings over the past decade, with a particularly sharp rise since the pandemic.
The majority of kidnappings occur during other crimes, such as armed robbery.
Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach, including enhanced crime intelligence and collaboration between law enforcement agencies.
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Picture: SAPS
