Kidnappings surge in South Africa with over 4,700 cases reported in just three months

VAAL TRIANGLE - Kidnapping rates in South Africa have risen significantly in the last five years. According to the latest crime statistics, 4,748 kidnappings were reported between October and December last year. The statistics reveal that Gauteng has the highest abduction rate, with 2,499 cases. This is followed by KwaZulu-Natal, with 901 reported kidnappings, and the Western Cape, with 275 reported abductions. A private investigator, Mike Bolhuis, says the rise in abductions is due to business rivalries, human trafficking, opportunistic crimes, ransom demands, and political or personal vendettas.