10 Jan 2024 | 08:49 AM UTC
South Africa: Foreign nationals hijacked by criminals posing as police in Mbombela, Mpumalanga Province, Jan. 6
Canadian tourists hijacked by criminals posing as police, forced to withdraw money at ATM in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, South Africa Jan. 6.
Four Canadians and one South African were held at gunpoint, kidnapped, and forced to withdraw money in Mbombela (Nelspruit), Mpumalanga Province, Jan. 6. The victims were reportedly driving along Samora Machel Drive, one of the cities' main avenues, at around 20:30 before being stopped by a car with flashing blue lights; the criminals posed as police officers before abducting the passengers. The victims were reportedly released with minor physical injuries after four hours and after withdrawals were made at various ATMs.
Exercise vigilance when traveling, especially in tourist hotspots and rural areas. Do not travel after nightfall. Maintain a low public profile and do not show outward displays of wealth. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly. Liaise with trusted security contacts regarding protocol for engaging with local security officials.
Kidnapping for ransom and extortion of foreign travelers and their family members is an increasing concern in South Africa. Kidnappings in South Africa are mostly robbery- hijacking- or rape-related. While it typically involves foreign small business owners, especially members of the Bangladeshi, Pakistani, Indian, Chinese, and Somali communities, European and North American nationals have also been targeted. Criminals posing as police officers are a common medium used to stop travelers before kidnapping and forcing them to withdraw money at ATMs.
Mbombela and Mpumalanga as a whole are hotspots for crime due to a plurality of issues: deteriorating socio-economic conditions, the proximity of both the Mozambican and Swazi borders leading to high levels of cross-border crime, a lack of security services, and the presence of many foreigners drawn to popular nature reserves, including the Kruger National Park. The latest statistics note a 14 percent increase in hijacking incidents in the province between the second quarters of 2022 and 2023. Despite investing in tourist-specific infrastructure near the parks, the airport, and the resorts, the situation has considerably worsened in recent years amid rolling power cuts and decaying transport infrastructure, making travel along Mpumalanga's roads increasingly dangerous.
