06 Oct 2024 | 09:05 AM UTC
South Africa: Officials secure the release of kidnapped British national in Worcester, Western Cape Province, Oct. 5
British national kidnapped in Robertson, Western Cape Province, South Africa, Oct. 4. Released following police operations, Oct. 5.
Officials in the Western Cape Province rescued a kidnapping female British national in the Zwelethemba township in Worcester during the morning of Oct. 5. The victim was kidnapped near La Chasseur Road in Robertson at approximately 12:10 Oct. 4. The circumstances surrounding the abduction are unclear. No arrests have been made. Worcester and Robertson are two small towns located northeast of Cape Town. Worcester is located approximately 50 km (30 miles) northwest of Robertson.
Maintain a low public profile and do not show outward displays of wealth, particularly if traveling alone and in higher-risk locations. Be alert to suspicious persons and/or activity. Vary routes regularly. Avoid traveling alone on long distances, at night, or in conditions with poor visibility. Drive with doors locked and windows drawn, and maintain a safe distance between cars in front of and behind you. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly.
Kidnapping for ransom is an increasing concern in South Africa. While criminal gangs and syndicates operate extensively, opportunistic kidnapping is also a common occurrence. Victims have reportedly been assaulted and seriously injured during the commission of kidnappings and while in captivity. Though kidnapping mostly occurs in lower-income areas, some occurrences, mostly opportunistic, have been reported in higher-density and more popular locations.
Approximately 4,200 kidnapping cases were reported in South Africa between April and June 2024. Kidnappings in South Africa are mostly robbery- hijacking- or rape-related; kidnaps for ransom only accounted for three percent nationwide. Security forces are generally under-resourced and have been unable to stem rising crime rates, including kidnapping, which has become an increasingly national security issue. Due to ongoing socioeconomic issues, crime rates are likely to continue to escalate in the medium term.
