Central SA
Kidnapping, attempted murder on the rise in Central SA─── CASEY-LEE ANTHONY 06:00 Sat, 23 Nov 2024
Nationwide, more than 17,000 kidnapping cases were reported in the 2023/24 year – an increase of more than 260% in ten years.
The main causes of kidnappings are for ransom, human trafficking and extortion.
Four Free State police stations are ranked in the top 30 for the number of attempted murders reported, namely Zamdela, Welkom, Thabong and Bloemspruit. In the Northern Cape, Roodepan is the only police station in the top 30.
Most attempted murder attempts occur in the heat of an argument, during road rage, or provocation. Other notable instances are as a form of revenge, retaliation or punishment.
From April to June this year, most attempted murder cases were recorded in public spaces and places where the victim resides. Firearms, knives, sharp objects and bottles or bottle heads were mostly used.
The Free State has seen a 48.4% increase since the first quarter of 2023 for attempted murder while the North West has had a 31.6% increase and the Northern Cape a 9.9% increase. Gauteng experienced a 4.8% decrease year-on-year, while all other provinces saw an increase.
Citizens are reminded to alert the police whenever they feel unsafe or that their lives may be endangered and to contact them as soon as they believe a loved one has been missing. There are no waiting periods for reporting someone missing.
