JOHANNESBURG – An alarming kidnapping epidemic is sweeping across Gauteng, with an average of 27 people abducted and robbed or held for ransom every day, according to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) latest crime statistics.

The province has become the epicentre of kidnapping-related crime, recording 2 452 cases between January and March this year alone. Of particular concern are the 163 ransom-related kidnappings reported in Gauteng during this period, accounting for more than 75% of the national figure.

“These figures are extremely concerning, especially since the SAPS established a specialised unit in the province in March to focus on crimes related to kidnappings and extortion,” said Martlé Keyter, MISA’s chief executive officer for operations.

Keyter explained that these crimes have increasingly become sophisticated and coordinated, posing a serious threat not only to public safety but also to economic stability and service delivery in the province.

Concerns over case prioritisation

The union has raised concerns about whether all cases receive equal attention from authorities. The SAPS arrested four suspects a week after former well-known paramedic Braam Kruger was lured to a guest house, robbed and murdered in Brooklyn, Pretoria, in April. The suspects are now applying for bail.

However, MISA notes that police have not yet arrested the known suspect in the brutal murder of student Olorato Mongale (30). Bongani Mthimkhulu is alleged to have been involved in the abduction and killing of Mongale, who was last seen entering a white Volkswagen Polo on 25 May 2025 in Johannesburg. Her body was discovered hours 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,” said Keyter.

The union has appealed to the specialised unit to focus on all unresolved cases.

Dating app dangers

Police have warned the public about severe risks associated with dating apps, including kidnappings for ransom, violent robberies and romance scams. Criminal syndicates frequently use fake profiles on platforms like Tinder and Grindr to lure victims into compromising situations, sometimes blackmailing or extorting them.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s portfolio committee on community safety has warned the public to exercise extreme caution when meeting strangers through online dating and social media platforms.

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