South Africa faces an alarming surge in kidnappings, with 17,000 cases reported in just one year. Business owners are particularly vulnerable, falling victim to two distinct types of crimes:
- Express kidnappings target individuals carrying cash or payment cards. Victims are temporarily held while criminals force them to withdraw funds from ATMs or make digital transfers. These ‘banking app kidnappings’ have seen criminals stealing as much as R50 000 through forced transfers to untraceable accounts, online purchases, multiple wallet payments and tap-to-pay transactions.
- Ransom kidnappings are meticulously planned, and involve high-profile businessmen being held hostage for days or longer, while criminals demand millions in ransom. Perpetrators do their homework well: they conduct extensive surveillance before striking, getting to know victims’ routines, family life and social interaction patterns.
“Like something out of a movie …”
Some of the ransom kidnapping detentions have lasted for months. Information filtering through to the public on social media is often scant and incomplete; usually because victims’ families are terrified of making things worse for captives. These cases are often viewed in awe by affected communities, whose members may have sleepless nights wondering how they might do something differently to avoid the same fate.
Safeguard yourself with these tips:
- Maintain a low profile: Limit displays of wealth and be cautious about information shared on social media.
- Vary your routine: Take different routes to work and avoid predictable schedules that make you an easy target.
- Stay vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious vehicles or individuals near your home or business.
- Implement banking precautions: Set daily transaction limits, enable two-factor authentication, and keep minimal funds in daily accounts. Consider requiring in-person verification for large transactions.
- Travel safely: Avoid travelling alone in high-risk areas and use reputable transportation services.
- Secure your premises: Invest in robust physical security measures for both home and workplace.
- Arrange an escort: When conducting high-value transactions or operating in uncertain situations call in the experts. Safeguard Asset Protection Service provides tailored security solutions including arranging escorts for at-risk businessmen and providing peace of mind during vulnerable moments. Their team of highly trained, PSIRA-registered guards specialises in close protection for VIPs and has helped numerous clients avoid dangerous situations.
If you are a victim, remain calm, comply with captors, and avoid making promises about ransom payments. Observe details about your abductors and surroundings whenever possible, but prioritise your safety above all.
Don’t live with regret. Take preventative measures seriously and remember that professional security services like Safeguard can make the difference between safety and becoming another statistic.
