Pretoria parents urged to beware of increase in child kidnappings
Here's what you need to know about the spike in child kidnappings in Pretoria.
Parents, particularly in Pretoria, are being urged to be hypervigilant about an increase in child kidnappings in the area.
Kidnappings in Gauteng, as a whole, have increased by 16% in 2025.
The Thompsons Security Group issued a warning to parents and guardians recently about the rise in child kidnappings in busy public areas such as shopping centres.
READ: Latest crime trends to look out for in South Africa
Check out the video from Thompson's Security Group warning residents of Pretoria specifically, courtesy of TikTok.
@thompsonssecuritygroup Kidnapping is an unfortunate reality we have to face, so please keep an eye out for your children whenever you go out. Especially in busy areas like malls for example. #ThompsonsSecurity #ThompsonsSecurityGroup #TacticalResponse #StaySafesa #HighRiskProtection #PrivateSecurity #Armedsecurity #crimetok #securityguards #safersouthafrica #securitytips
♬ original sound - Thompsons Security Group
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According to the Citizen, these are the current hotspots in Pretoria's surrounding areas:
Police Station Kidnapping Cases (Jan–Mar 2025)
Pretoria Central 22
Pretoria West 12
Brooklyn 8
Garsfontein 5
Sunnyside 20
Silverton 5
Villieria 4
Wonderboompoort 3
Boschkop (includes Mooikloof, Equestria, etc.) 3
Akasia 13
Erasmia 7
Hercules 6
Child Safety Checklist for Parents
1. Educate Your Child Early2. Safe Behaviour in Public
3. Communication & Monitoring
4. Role-Playing and Practice
5. Trusting Their Instincts
6. Build Safe Habits
7. Keep Records Updated
8. Online Safety
Use this checklist to help keep your child safe and reduce the risk of abduction and review it regularly and adjust as your child grows:
- Explain what a stranger is, even if they seem friendly
- Create and use a family 'safe word' for emergencies
- Teach them that adults should never ask them to keep secrets from parents
- Always keep young children within sight and arm’s reach
- Encourage children to stay in groups when playing outside
- Reinforce that they must ask permission before going anywhere, even with someone they know
- Always know where your child is and who they are with
- Equip them with a GPS-enabled device or emergency contact card
- Set regular check-in times, especially when they are out alone
- Practice 'what if' scenarios (e.g., offered candy, asked for help)
- Teach them the 'Yell, Run, Tell' strategy
- Have them practice saying 'No' loudly and running to safety
- Teach them to trust their gut feelings about people or situations
- Encourage them to leave any situation where they feel scared or uncomfortable
- Identify and show them safe places in your community (e.g., police station)
- Have consistent pickup routines; no surprises
- Make sure they know never to approach or get into a car without permission
- Keep recent photos of your child
- Update records of height, weight, and identifying features regularly
- Consider a fingerprinting or child ID kit
- Avoid posting personal info or location details online
- Monitor your child’s online activities and friends
- Discuss safe online behaviour and the importance of privacy
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