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With kidnappings so rampant at present, it pays to know what to do if the situation ever had to arise.

Kidnappings in South Africa have increased by 60% this year, according to a crime intelligence report, so it could essentially happen to anyone.

Given that there are numerous allegations against members of the SA Police Service (SAPS) and private security companies, it might be up to you to get yourself home safely.

eNCA’s Barry Bateman unpacks the kidnapping for ransom trend and how best to react if you ever find yourself as a kidnap victim.

“Stay calm. Breathe. And prepare for negotiations.”

The recent high-profile abduction of the Moti brothers, whose family allegedly paid R50 million to secure the release of the four children, has further highlighted the scourge of syndicates operating within our borders.

But rich or poor, this sort of crime can happen to anyone with ransoms reportedly ranging from R1 000 through to astronomical figures.

Per the aforementioned report, Gauteng was identified as a hotspot with 2 580 kidnappings reported in the last year, followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 1 573 cases.

The Western Cape had 818 abductions reported.

[sources:enca&news24]