Schools in South Africa are beefing up security
Concerns over the increase in kidnapping cases in Gauteng have motivated some schools in the province to upgrade security measures to better protect their learners.
Experts have warned South Africans that cases of kidnappings have skyrocketed by 260% in the country over a decade – including those for ransom – and Gauteng is a hotspot province.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) latest crime report showed that kidnappings have increased by 11% year-on-year to 4,577 cases over the period – working out to roughly 51 kidnappings a day in South Africa.
The report also noted that the main reasons for these kidnappings are ransom, human tracking, and extortion.
Ransom-demanded kidnappings increased by 7.8% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2023.
Additionally, while kidnapping for ransom makes up only 5% of the cases, it still works out to around two people being kidnapped for ransom per day in the country.
Considering these statistics, the Gauteng Department of Education is concerned about the safety of children on the premises of schools, especially outside the gates when waiting to be fetched from school.
However, the department said it had identified the most at-risk schools based on situational data from the SAPS to improve security measures.
“Our children need to be safe at all times, and we have made an effort to increase security measures such as more cameras and personnel at the relevant schools,” said Gauteng health MEC Steve Mabona.
The SAPS added that – while there hasn’t been a notable increase in pupils being kidnapped from schools – it has put together a team to be prepared for all eventualities.
“If there is a spike in cases [of pupils being kidnapped], we have a task team which is led by the organised crime unit.
We also work closely with security companies to coordinate efforts to remain vigilant,” said Gauteng police commissioner Tommy Mthombeni.
According to the SAPS’ data, Gauteng is by far the main hotspot province for kidnappings in South Africa, according to 2,367 (51.7%) of all cases reported in Q3 2023, showing an increase of 19.9% year-on-year.
The only other provinces to record higher increases in reported kidnappings are the North West (29.6%) and the Free State (26.5%) – however, they only accounted for 416 kidnappings combined.
Additionally, Gauteng is home to 23 (77%) of the 30 kidnapping hotspot areas in South Africa.
The top five hotspot areas are:
- Moroka – Johannesburg
- Loate – Tshwane
- Orange Farms – Sedibeng
- Tembisa – Ekurhuleni
- Umlazi – eThekwini
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