Experts say kidnapping for ransom and extortion are a growing crisis in South Africa, with SAPS crime statistics showing over 17 000 reported kidnappings in 2023/24.
People who are being targeted vary from high-net-worth individuals and executives to children and tourists. Kidnappers are targeting victims for financial gain, with ransom demands ranging from R500,000 to R150 million.
For more than a month, police and investigators have been probing the mysterious disappearance of Pretoria journalist, Sibusiso Aserie Ndlovu and his partner Zodwa Precious Ndlovu who vanished in February.
A joint media briefing was held days ago by the African Media and Communicators Forum and the National Press Club, where a reward of R50,000 for information that can lead to the missing journalist Ndlovu and Mdhluli being found, was offered. No ransom demand has been made in this case.
Statistics from the South African Police Service annual crime statistics show that kidnappings increased to 17 061 in 2023/24.
Ryno de Kock, head of distribution at PSG Insure, explained that kidnapping can happen anywhere.
“Kidnappers may target various individuals for financial gain but certain groups like children, wealthy individuals, executives and tourists are particularly at risk. In some cases, businesses are also targeted as part of extortion or intimidation tactics,” said de Kock.
“Relatively small ransoms around R500,000 or less have been demanded for the victim’s release where family and friends can raise the money. The highest kidnapping ransoms in South Africa have reached between R72 million and R150 million, primarily in major cities like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Polokwane.”
“It’s crucial for individuals and businesses to be aware of these kidnapping risks and take appropriate precautions to protect themselves and their families,” says de Kock.
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Given the rampant kidnappings, de Kock said it is advisable for residents in South Africa to consider different kidnap and ransom policies.
A financial protection policy typically covers the ransom payment, which can be significant, as well as the associated costs of negotiating, investigating and securing the release of the victim.
Kidnap and ransom insurance is especially crucial for protecting individuals at risk due to their position, status or net worth.
“It offers more than just financial protection in kidnapping situations as it also ensures that the individuals and businesses are prepared and have the right protocols in place to protect family members and key individuals,” says de Kock.
Another policy option covers expert negotiation and crisis management. The psychological and emotional impact of a kidnapping on victims and their families can be overwhelming. The policy provides access to experienced professionals, including negotiators, crisis managers and security experts.
These professionals are trained to handle the high-stress situation and secure the release of the kidnapped individual in a safe and effective manner.
Other policies are for protecting yourself and your employees.
“High net worth recreational and business travellers understand that kidnap and ransom cover is the most important start to an international itinerary, as travelling has been identified as a window of opportunity for kidnappings,” said de Kock.
Other policy options cover kidnapping from schools. Children of business leaders or high net worth individuals are often targeted by kidnappers, due to their vulnerability. De Kock suggested school abductions are becoming more common, as it is an easy escape option for the kidnappers.
Cover can be extended to include loss of income for businesses that are disrupted due to the kidnapping event; medical expenses for any treatment or counselling needed by the victim after the incident; legal costs for any legal expenses related to the situation, travel expenses cover if the victim is held far from home, the insurance may cover travel costs for the family to be reunited with the victim.
De Kock said having kidnap and ransom insurance provides peace of mind for both individuals and businesses.
“Knowing that you have the resources and expertise to handle a traumatic event can make all the difference during a time of crisis,” he said.
In December, IOL reported that police in Gauteng rescued a kidnapped Pakistani businessman, and arrested a 46-year-old woman on charges including kidnapping and murder in the Sebokeng area.
At the time, Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk, police spokesperson said ransom had been demanded after the businessman was kidnapped.
“According to a preliminary report, three African males driving a BMW X5 kidnapped the businessman in Lenasia just over two months ago. Ransom was immediately demanded for the release of the kidnapped victim,” said Van Wyk.
Following extensive investigation, the SAPS kidnapping team joined by members from crime intelligence, Gauteng hostage and negotiation team, Germiston Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), Sedibeng search and rescue, SAPS Lenasia and SAPS Evaton operationalised information they obtained on the location of the suspects in Sebokeng.
“A search of the identified property led the team to find the victim in one of the rooms. The body of an unidentified African male was also found at this premise. A female suspect was subsequently arrested at the scene,” said Van Wyk.
Police also recovered two cellphones from the scene which will form part of further investigations. Van Wyk said more arrests are expected.
“Communities are urged to immediately report to their nearest police station or call the SAPS Crime Stop hotline number 08600 10111 if any of their relatives or friends fall victim to kidnappers,” she said.
IOL