Express kidnappings on the increase

An average of at least one Jewish person a month has fallen victim to an express kidnapping in the past year. 

That is according to CSO Chief Executive Liron Sanders. 

“This crime is on the increase,” he says. “There were between 12 and 15 incidents recorded in the community last year.” 

It happens in minutes. A routine drive home, a quick stop at a gate, a glance at a phone ‒ and suddenly, control is gone. Victims are forced into cars, driven around under threat, and coerced into handing over bank cards and access to their digital funds. This is the chilling reality of express kidnappings, a fast-evolving crime pattern now firmly on the radar of community safety structures in South Africa. 

The CAP analytics team’s latest findings show that hijackings and kidnappings “remain a serious concern”, with express kidnappings emerging as a particularly significant pattern, says Sean Jammy, CAP deputy chief executive. 

But the encouraging message, Jammy says, is that understanding the pattern helps reduce vulnerability. “Awareness, preparation, and a few practical changes in daily habits can make a meaningful difference.” 

Experts warn that the nature of the crime ‒ fast, opportunistic, and financially driven ‒ makes it particularly concerning. 

Critically, CAP emphasises that the target isn’t wealthy individuals. “Most incidents are opportunistic,” says Jammy. “Suspects are often looking for a vulnerable moment rather than a specific individual.” 

Sanders says, “Victims are frequently driving ordinary vehicles, dressed in everyday clothing, and going about routine activities. The risk lies not in how affluent someone appears, but in whether they are momentarily distracted or exposed.” 

Most incidents occur in public spaces such as roads, driveways, parking areas, and transitional points. 

“In terms of timing, two key risk windows have emerged,” says Jammy. The first is the evening commute period, especially from late afternoon into early evening, when many people follow predictable routes home. The second is mid-morning to early afternoon, when residents are out at shops, businesses, schools, or other daily destinations. The data makes it clear there is no single “safe” time of day, only times when heightened awareness is especially important. 

In many reported cases, suspects move quickly, targeting people in or near their vehicles. Victims may be forced into their own car or another vehicle, threatened, and driven around while suspects demand access to phones, bank cards, PINs ,and banking apps. Some people are forced to make cash withdrawals, cash-send transactions, or transfers, while suspects attempt to exploit biometric access and available credit. Once they believe they have taken what they can, they often abandon victims and flee, sometimes with the stolen vehicle. 

CAP says there are simple but effective steps every resident can take to reduce the risk: 

• Stay alert. Be especially aware when arriving home, leaving home, parking, or getting into or out of a vehicle. 

• Put your phone away before reaching your gate, driveway, or car. Visible distraction is a repeated vulnerability. 

• Avoid sitting stationary at your gate for longer than necessary. Have your remote ready and enter promptly. 

• Vary routines and departure times where possible. 

• Keep vehicle doors locked and windows up when driving. 

• If an unknown or suspicious vehicle tries to stop you, especially one using blue lights, don’t stop immediately. Drive to a well-lit public space, a petrol station, or a police station if you feel unsafe. 

• Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave the area and seek safety first. 

• If you suspect you’re being followed, don’t drive home. Drive to a well-lit area such as a petrol station and call for help. 

CAP warns that financial precautions are critical: 

• Lower your daily withdrawal and transfer limits on all banking apps. 

• Keep only limited funds in accounts that are easily accessible from your phone. 

• Disable unnecessary payment, transfer, or credit features if you don’t use them regularly. 

• Turn on transaction alerts so you’re notified immediately of activity on your accounts. 

• Review your app security settings and ensure your phone and banking apps are protected with strong authentication. 

These steps may not eliminate risk, but they can significantly limit the extent of financial loss. 

Sanders says situational awareness remains the most powerful form of prevention. “I preach this all the time: know your surroundings. Be aware. Take in what is around you,” he says. He warns that everyday distractions, particularly being on a phone while stationary, significantly increase risk. 

Before placing items in a vehicle boot, he advises taking a moment to look around and assess the environment. Avoid putting your head down in the boot and becoming unaware of who is nearby. “It’s quite simple. Look around you and understand what’s going on,” he says. 

He also stresses the importance of having an exit strategy in everyday situations. Motorists should leave enough space between their car and the one in front at traffic lights to allow for a quick escape if necessary. Thinking ahead about how to respond in a threatening situation can make a critical difference in the moment. 

Preparation at a family level is equally important. Sanders recommends creating a family emergency file kept at home, containing essential information such as bank details, vehicle registration numbers, tracking information, medical aid details, and access to location-sharing applications like Life360. This ensures that if something does happen, critical information is immediately available to assist in response efforts. 

Regular check-ins between family members can also serve as a simple but effective safety measure. A quick message or emoji during the day can confirm that everything is normal and help identify when something may be wrong. 

If caught in an express kidnapping, both CAP and CSO are clear: Victims should comply, avoid confrontation, and not attempt to resist, as these situations often involve weapons and can escalate rapidly. Most incidents are over within hours, but the psychological impact can linger long after. 

CAP continues to urge residents to play an active role in community safety. “If you see it, call it in,” Jammy says, encouraging the public to report suspicious activity to the CAP control room on 0861 227 227. Early reporting enables faster response and can prevent incidents before they escalate. 

Ultimately, both organisations stress that while crime remains a reality, individuals are not powerless. “We live in South Africa. There are many positives, but there is also crime,” Sanders says. “Crime can numb us, but we need to understand how we can live around it.”