Central SA
North West sees surge in kidnapping cases─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 13:46 Fri, 23 May 2025
Kidnapping cases across South Africa have risen to concerning levels, with the North West amongst provinces showing a noticeable spike.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu presented the fourth quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year, which cover the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025, highlighting a disturbing 11.1% rise in kidnapping incidents in the country.
The North West province recorded 230 kidnapping cases during the three months, up from 207 cases a year before. This increase has contributed 5.0% to the national total.
Gauteng remains the epicenter of kidnapping in the country, accounting for a staggering 58.8% of all cases. The province saw 2,414 kidnapping incidents in the first quarter of 2025, compared to 2,085 during the same period in the previous year, a sharp increase that mirrors broader national trends.
The statistics also reveal a troubling surge in ransom-related kidnappings. North West recorded nine such cases between January and March 2025, compared to seven in the same period last year, contributing 4.2% to the national tally.
Gauteng again dominated this category, with 144 ransom-related cases reported; more than double the 55 incidents recorded last year. This accounts for 67.3% of the country’s ransom-related kidnappings.
KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape were followed by contributions of 14.5% and 6.1%, respectively. KZN experienced a dramatic rise, with 31 cases this year compared to just eight in the previous year, while the Eastern Cape recorded a modest increase from 11 to 13 cases.
Minister Mchunu announced significant structural changes within the South African Police Service (SAPS). “We are repositioning police to confront crime with more vigour and sharpness,” he stated.
A key component of this strategy involves dividing the current Visible Policing (VisPol) structure into two separate divisions: VisPol and Operational Response Services (ORS). Mchunu confirmed that the process of appointing a divisional commissioner for ORS is currently underway.
He also noted that 5,500 police trainees are currently undergoing training at various SAPS academies, and their graduation, or “passing out” parades, are scheduled for August and November. Mchunu emphasised that several critical enablers have been identified to strengthen the fight against crime, with a focus on enhancing police visibility and responsiveness.
