According to statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS), an average of 51 people are kidnapped each day, with over 4,500 cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Ahead of the festive season, Canada, the United States, and China issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens about travelling to South Africa. The advisories highlighted the high risk of serious crimes, including "express kidnappings," where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, and in some cases, held overnight to make additional withdrawals. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Crime expert, Professor Jacob Mofokeng.

<p>According to statistics from the South African Police Service (SAPS), an average of 51 people are kidnapped each day, with over 4,500 cases reported in the first quarter of 2025 alone. Ahead of the festive season, Canada, the United States, and China issued travel advisories cautioning their citizens about travelling to South Africa. The advisories highlighted the high risk of serious crimes, including "express kidnappings," where victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs, and in some cases, held overnight to make additional withdrawals. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Crime expert, Professor Jacob Mofokeng.</p>

An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day’s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.

<p>An English news and current affairs wrap with a fresh take on the day&rsquo;s top stories, hosted by the seasoned journalist Tsepiso Makwetla.</p>

Advertisement