This province is SA's kidnapping capital
More than half of all reported kidnapping cases in South Africa took place in this province.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has released the latest quarterly crime statistics, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025.
These statistics show that Gauteng is South Africa's kidnapping capital, with more than half of all reported kidnapping cases occurring in this province.
Johannesburg, specifically, has also seen steep increases in reported kidnapping cases.
READ: South African suburbs with the highest reports of hijackings
According to Daily Maverick, kidnapping cases are often linked to a quick way for criminals to get cash.
Half of all Johannesburg’s police stations have claimed spots in the top 30 police stations with the most reported kidnapping cases in South Africa.
Johannesburg Central, Moroka, Roodepoort, Jabulani, and Midrand police stations ranked among the top eight for reported kidnappings.
Out of the top 30 police stations for kidnapping, 26 were in Gauteng, leaving only four spots for the rest of the country.
Daily Maverick also reported that all 30 Johannesburg police stations on the list saw an increase in kidnapping cases—except for Germiston, Kempton Park, Randburg, and Evaton.
READ: The one item criminals are after at SA homes
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) reported that kidnappings have increased by 264% in the past decade.
"Gauteng records 52.8% of all reported kidnappings in the country," said crime manager Lizette Lancaster.
"ISS analysis of the Gauteng kidnapping statistics shows that about 80% are driven by so-called express kidnappings perpetrated during robberies such as carjackings, truckjackings, and business or residential robberies.
"This involves holding the victim captive until funds can be extracted from bank cards or via mobile apps, and even demanding ransoms from relatives. Some are also linked to extortion attempts against business owners," Lancaster adds.
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Image: X/ Yusuf Ambramjee