Ransom kidnappings are on the rise in Ga-Nala

The Ga-Nala community is begging for help as kidnappings for monetary gain are becoming a big concern.

In recent weeks, there have been numerous allegations of people being kidnapped and held for ransom by criminals.

This has resulted in widespread dread and concern, as well as a drop in public safety.

Residents of Thubelihle have expressed concern over the area’s ongoing kidnappings.

According to a resident who wishes to remain anonymous, people are kidnapped on Thursdays and found the next day after being kidnapped; they primarily target the affluent.

He believes the suspects are from their area because they seem to know who the next victim will be.

A prior victim, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared her story, “It happened on January 20. It was late at about midnight. My brother was out to find a newspaper since the matric results were out. He went out with his two friends. On their way back they saw two men sitting inside our yard. My brother and his friends thought it was just some ‘nyaope’ boys who wanted to steal copper cables. The moment they entered the house, they were pointed with guns by two unknown men.” 

She added that the thugs locked her brother’s friend and their family inside one room. They demanded their phones, with passwords, checking for their balances on their banking details.

During that time, her brother’s friend managed to escape and came back with the police. Luckily enough, they were rescued without being harmed.

“It was two guys, not particularly tall, with a light complexion, and one with a tattoo on his left eye.”

Residents feel that they are left out of the Kriel Police Station’s effort to keep them safe and catch the criminals who lurk nearby.

Petros Lubisi, who is a resident of Thubelihle Extension 5, said, “Every Thursday, several households are being robbed. We don’t feel safe anymore.”

According to Kriel Police, the suspects are targeting households mostly on Thursdays and now also Sundays.

These suspects also kidnap victims and demand R10 000 in ransom money.

The investigations are ongoing.

Lubisi added, “The community is tired of this, and some will end up taking the law into their own hands since the police are not doing enough to assist.”

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