‘Traumatic’ trend: Ransom kidnappings thrive in South Africa as crime soars
Al JazeeraPolice say kidnappings rose from 3,832 cases in 2013 to nearly 11,000 cases in 2021, with most of those happening in Gauteng. According to crime statistics from the South African Police Service, the figure ballooned from 3,832 cases in 2013 to nearly 11,000 in 2021. As per the report, many cases are likely under-reported due to “persistent threats to the victim’s well-being and that of his/her family, even after release”. Sometimes the money has to be paid in Bitcoin and in foreign bank accounts and foreign exchanges like in Dubai.” ‘Easy money’ But it is not only the wealthy who are targeted as kidnappers tailor their ransom demands to suit the perceived value of the victims. I feel as South Africans we are on our own when it comes to safety and security.” A legacy of crime and fear That criminals see kidnapping as easy money is a reflection of the ease of conducting such operations and of the rampant nature of crime in South African society, one of the world’s most unequal places to live.
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