Kidnapping continues at an alarming rate in South Africa.
Fidelity Services Group recently shone a spotlight on this dangerous phenomenon.
To avoid falling victim to kidnappers, CEO Wahl Bartmann says vigilance around your personal safety is always imperative, and this must be instilled in children and young adults.
Bartmann reiterates that the “clients” in kidnapping cases are as diverse as the crime itself – they can be anyone from criminal organisations and political extremists to ransom kidnappers, “express” kidnappers, and family members embroiled in a dispute of some sort.
One of the best ways to protect your loved ones, especially children, is by putting vigilance into action every day.
There are simple actions, he says, which can keep a child or young adult safe.
Teach your children:
. They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take short cuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cell- phones and iPads in full view.
. If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the school grounds for their lift to arrive.
. Consider using a password system. If the person coming to collect you from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.
. If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout.
. Make sure your children memorise their full names, address and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111. If they are older they should have emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider having a safety app on their phone.
. Older children should keep their valuables out of sight at all times and not use headphones as this dampens their ability to sense their surroundings.
. Alter their route: If they are walking home or to public transport they need to alter their route. Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well lit and populated with houses and other walkers instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas.
If you feel threatened, you can at least knock on someone’s door for help if you’re walking through a familiar neighbourhood.
. If you are using a taxi service, ensure it is an authentic service provider.
. Be extra cautious to go and meet anyone who befriends you on social media. Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup.
. Be cautious to be lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember safety in numbers.
Tips for parents around social media usage by children:
. Don’t overshare your children’s photos and personal information online. Remember, children have a right to privacy just as much as adults do.
. Talk to your children about the fact that criminals can pose as their friends by using a fake identity on social media to befriend them and lure them into chatting or a face-to-face meeting.
. Make a point of regularly chatting to your children about what they are doing on social media and inspect their phones if you feel you need to.
“This may sound like something out of a movie, but kidnappings are real and rife in South Africa.”
