There is now a deep concern about “escalating incidents of criminality against tourists” in the Eastern Cape.
South Africa’s ‘Grindr Gang’ has been running rampant, but at least three Sowetan men alleged to be part of the kidnapping for ransom operation appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court.
Insurers are warning Saffas about this new form of crime making waves in the country, as criminals target anyone, and change their demands depending on how quickly they can get something out.
This worrying trend is bolstered by the fact that we are listed seventh in the world for organised crime activities.
They’ve arrested a mastermind behind the kidnappings of several foreigners, including a South African woman of German descent who was snatched outside their family business in Parow.
Most alarmingly, kidnapping syndicates are extending their victim pool, increasingly targeting mid- to lower-income individuals now.