South Africa has one of the highest kidnapping rates in Africa and globally, a persistent issue despite the authorities' efforts, according to annual crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Between April 2023 and March 2024, SAPS recorded 17,061 kidnapping cases. Additionally, from April to June 2024, 4,205 more cases were reported, highlighting the severity of the country's crime situation.
Crime expert Lizette Lancaster notes that, despite the deployment of special teams to combat this issue, kidnapping remains a "lucrative and low-risk criminal opportunity." She explains that many kidnappings go unnoticed, maintaining their appeal as a profitable and low-risk criminal activity. Lancaster argues that the likelihood of being caught is a more effective deterrent for kidnappers than current laws and penalties.
Lancaster also states that most kidnappings are associated with car hijackings or armed robberies, where victims are taken for a few hours or a day, primarily to coerce them into withdrawing funds from their bank accounts—a practice known as "express kidnappings." She adds that many victims become targets due to insider information about available cash or significant business transactions.
South Africa is considered one of the most dangerous countries globally, with only 30% of citizens reporting feeling safe. In the third quarter of 2024, the country recorded 6,545 murders. Over the past four quarters, there have been 27,016 murders and 53,061 sexual offenses, according to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu during a press briefing on quarterly crime statistics.