Gauteng records 27 kidnappings daily, with ransom-related cases surging. As the province grapples with this escalating crisis, community leaders are calling for decisive action.
Image: Kim Kay IOL
Gauteng is facing a disturbing surge in kidnappings, with an alarming average of 27 victims abducted each day, according to the latest crime statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS). The province has become the epicentre of this crisis, recording a staggering 2,452 kidnapping cases from January to March 2026. Among these, 163 were ransom-related kidnappings, representing over 75% of South Africa's national total.
Martlé Keyter, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), expressed concern about these figures, particularly in the context of SAPS establishing a specialised unit in March to combat the rising tide of kidnappings and extortion. “This type of crime has become more sophisticated and co-ordinated, posing a serious threat not just to public safety, but also to economic stability and service delivery in the province,” she said.
The public's confidence in SAPS's ability to address this crisis is waning, she said. Keyter raised questions about whether all cases are treated with the urgency they demand. This concern is underscored by the recent handling of the tragic case involving former paramedic Braam Kruger, who was lured to a guesthouse, robbed, and murdered in Brooklyn, Pretoria, in April. Although four suspects were arrested shortly after the crime, the case has raised eyebrows due to the delays in securing justice.
Moreover, the spectre of unresolved cases looms large. MISA has highlighted that the principal suspect in the brutal murder of 30-year-old student Olorato Mongale remains at large. Mongale was last seen entering a white Volkswagen Polo on May 25, 2025 in Johannesburg, with her body discovered later in Lombardy East.
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Can you imagine the heartbreak endured by Olorato’s parents, knowing that a year later, her killer remains free? This is a travesty. No case must be forgotten. Olorato’s death must serve as a catalyst for decisive action against violent kidnappings,” Keyter said.
In conjunction with community concerns, the police have issued warnings about the significant risks associated with dating apps. These platforms have been increasingly exploited by criminal syndicates using fake profiles to lure unsuspecting victims into vulnerable situations. The SAPS cautions that these scenarios may lead to kidnappings for ransom, violent robberies, and romance scams.
Responding to the escalating kidnappings, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Community Safety has urged the public to exercise extreme caution when engaging with strangers online. As this crisis deepens, the call for collaborative efforts between the community and law enforcement grows stronger, illustrating a clear urgency for action to combat the disturbing reality of kidnappings in Gauteng.
IOS