Police provide safety tips on abductions and kidnappings.
If the recent increase in kidnappings, Sophiatown Police Station found it necessary to share crucial information with the public on how not to get abducted. Although not 100% fool-proof, the police are confident that these can minimise the chance of one being kidnapped. Sophiatown Police Station Spokesperson Captain TJ de Bruyn said that anyone can be a victim of such traumatic crimes and believes that is why it is important to share this information with the public. Although it is a crime that can be done to anyone, woman and children are the easiest and most common targets, added de Bruyn.
According to the captain, an abduction is the act when someone uses force or deception to take away a person from home or any other place with the intent to rape, kill or marry against their will.
“Kidnapping is when a person is taken away against their will and holding them in a false imprisonment, usually with the motive of ransom or to settle an issue, as we have seen in recent weeks with the Moti Brothers and the school girl in Mayfair.”
De Bruyn reminded the public that anyone could be a potential perpetrator/offender. This includes family members, acquaintances, business partners, competitors, traditional and spiritual healers and medical practitioners.
Who is most vulnerable: [Please do bullet points properly]
- Children
- Women
- Members of the LGBTI community
- People with albinism
- Vulnerable groups
- Reasons for abduction and kidnapping:
- To settle unresolved issues
- To be used as sex slaves/rape
- Human trafficking
- For rituals and muthi, traditional and customary practices
- Political influences or grudges
- Harvesting of organs for illicit organ transplants
- The illicit market for child pornography
Safety tips:
- Avoid befriending unknown and untrustworthy people
- Refrain from posting personal information online
- Do not send or post provocative images
- Do not take threats lightly
- Inform someone when you notice changed violent behaviour from a partner, friend, and/or spouse towards you or your children
- Be cautious when updating your social media status on your whereabouts
- Avoid arranging meetings with social media friends you have never met before and sending locations
- Be cautious of your surroundings
