South Africa's kidnapping rate doubles in second quarter
South Africa has seen a massive increase in kidnapping cases reported to the police between July and September this year.
This was confirmed by Police Minister Bheki Cele during the release of the crime statistics for the second quarter of the 2022/2023 financial year on Wednesday.
Cele said kidnappings have doubled nationally, with over 4 000 reported to the police between July and September.
Carjacking, robbery and rape were the top three motives for the recorded kidnappings across the country.
"The month of July 2022, saw the majority of carjacking, and robbery at residential and non-residential premises cases reported to the police," Cele said.
"More must be done to prevent and also respond to these crimes that are often carried out publicly in a violent manner."
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"Over 6 000 carjackings were reported to the police from July to September 2022," he added.
Cele said a total of 356 vehicles were reported hijacked in Nyanga, Harare and Phillipe East combined, which are all in the Western Cape.
"The SAPS, especially in the Western Cape, has had several breakthroughs in kidnapping cases, where victims have been safely reunited with their families," the minister said.
"However, the police will be neglecting the constitutional mandate of protecting the inhabitants of the country and their property, if the service doesn't deal decisively with these most feared crimes.
"Specialised intervention in provinces right down to station level, must be bolstered to deal with carjacking, kidnapping cases and other crimes in the Trio Crimes category. Policing interventions should continue to be prioritised in identified hot spot areas to squeeze the opportunity for criminals."
