Six SAPS stations in Sedibeng among SA’s worst kidnapping hotspots

SEDIBENG - The Sedibeng Policing District is battling a sharp spike in kidnappings, with communities like Boipatong, Sharpeville, Evaton, Sebokeng, and Meyerton increasingly affected. According to the latest SAPS statistics, six police stations in Sedibeng now make up 20% of the country’s 30 worst-affected stations for kidnappings. Orange Farm is 2nd nationally, with 60 cases in just three months, a 650% spike from 2020. Meyerton follows at 5th, with a 1% rise. Other increases include Sebokeng, from 8 to 21 cases, Evaton from 5 to 21 cases, Heidelberg from 4 to 14 cases, and Vanderbijlpark from 4 to 18 cases. Criminal syndicates, ransom demands, domestic abuse, and trafficking are believed to be behind the surge. Communities are calling for anti-kidnapping task teams, more patrols, and intelligence-led operations as police struggle to keep pace. Residents are urged to stay alert, travel in groups, and report suspicious activity immediately.