Sophiatown Police Station is not going to wait till it’s too late to help equip the public with information to avoid being abducted and/or kidnapped.
According to the station’s spokesperson, Captain TJ de Bruyn, this particular crime has been on the rise lately. He stated that there haven’t been any reported cases at his police station but they wanted to ensure this remains the case. Although it is a crime that can be done to anyone, woman and children are the easiest and most common targets.
The captain also provided details into what abduction and kidnappings are. He stated that abduction is defined as 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 held in false imprisonment. This is usually done for motives such as ransom or to settle issues.
De Bruyn also added 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:
- 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 muti
- Traditional and customary practices
- Political influences or grudges
- Harvesting of organs for illicit organ transplants
- 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.
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