Cape Town - Many kidnappings are not reported due to fear of harm to the victims, or retaliation against their relatives or business.
Institute for Security Studies Crime and Justice Information Hub manager Lizette Lancaster said foreign-born migrants’ businesses are also often targeted by extortion groups.
“These businesses are particularly vulnerable to these crimes because of their migrant status and the cash nature of their businesses. They are less likely to report incidents to the police because of fear of further victimisation by the police asking for documents and in some cases, bribes.”
Lancaster provided insight into kidnappings following the recent kidnapping for ransom of 8-year-old Rylands girl, Abirah Dekhta.
Crime statistics for quarter one of 2022 (April to June 2022), show the Western Cape had the third-highest number of reported kidnappings for this period. There has, however, been a decrease in kidnappings when compared with the same period in 2021.
“The analysis shows that out of a sample of 212 of the recorded 237 kidnappings reported to the Western Cape SAPS during these three months, 51 (24%) were committed during a hijacking, with 49 (23%) during the commission of another type of robbery.
“The implication is that nearly half of all kidnappings in the province reported to the SAPS can be linked to armed robbery gangs.
“The motive for a further 21 (10%) is related to the commission of rapes. A curious 17 (8%) relate to retaliations or revenge attacks, often by crime groups.
“Kidnapping for ransom or extortion made up only six cases. However, most of these types of kidnappings are not reported to the police.
“In the province, local crime groups usually committing street crime or armed robberies have now expanded to kidnappings.”
Police spokesperson Frederick van Wyk said there were currently no active kidnapping cases open, with victims who still need to be released.
A crime fighter experienced in kidnapping cases, Hanif Loonat, said it was clear that kidnappers are colluding with certain kidnapping task team members.
“South Africa has become the target of international syndicates as it has become clear that it is easy to get away with crime in this country due to the ineffective, corrupt and colluding law enforcement entities.”