Kidnapping remains a persistent and evolving threat in South Africa, affecting individuals across socio-economic backgrounds. Syndicates target victims for ransom, extortion, human trafficking, or in connection with criminal or political disputes. While adults remain high-risk targets, children and young adults are increasingly vulnerable due to gaps in awareness and digital exposure.
“Personal safety awareness should be non-negotiable—and it starts at home,” says Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group. “Equipping children and teenagers with practical safety tools and the confidence to act decisively can reduce the likelihood of abduction or exploitation.”
According to SAPS statistics, thousands of kidnappings are reported annually, many involving minors or youth lured through deception or coercion. Common scenarios include express kidnappings, opportunistic abductions, custody disputes, or digital grooming via social media.
Prevention Starts with Education
Simple daily habits and situational awareness can significantly reduce exposure to risk. Hattingh outlines the following proactive measures for children and teens:
For young children:
- Walk in groups: Always walk to and from school with friends. Stick to familiar, populated routes and avoid shortcuts through alleys, open fields, or vacant lots.
- Avoid distractions: Keep mobile devices and tablets out of sight to avoid attracting attention.
- Secure school pickups: Children should wait inside school grounds for their lift and never leave with anyone who hasn’t been pre-approved.
- Stranger danger rules: Reinforce that children should never accept rides from strangers—even if the stranger claims there’s an emergency involving a parent.
- Use a family password: Establish a security word only known to you and your child. If someone can’t repeat it, the child must seek help immediately.
- Responding to threats: If someone tries to grab them, teach them to scream, kick, and resist loudly to draw attention and attempt to escape.
- Observation skills: If they witness something suspicious, train them to notice the suspect’s appearance, vehicle, and any details that could assist authorities later.
- Emergency awareness: Children should memorise their full name, home address, and key contact numbers. Practice dialing 10111 using a toy phone. For older children, preload emergency numbers or install a safety app like Namola or Life360.
For teenagers and students:
- Stay alert: Avoid wearing headphones or texting while walking—awareness is your first line of defense.
- Switch up routines: Alter daily travel routes and avoid walking alone in isolated areas.
- Transport safety: Only use vetted taxi or ride-share services. Never enter unmarked or suspicious vehicles.
- Social media caution: Never meet online acquaintances alone. Arrange group meetings in public spaces with friends present.
- Job and modelling scams: Beware of predators offering false opportunities—always verify through trusted sources.
Managing the digital risk: Social media safety
“While we live in a connected world, predators also exploit these platforms to groom or track potential victims,” warns Hattingh. “Parents must take a proactive and transparent role in guiding their children’s online behaviour.”
Parental guidance for digital safety:
- Limit oversharing: Avoid posting children’s personal details, locations, or daily routines online.
- Educate on fake profiles: Teach children how criminals use false identities to build trust online before attempting to lure them.
- Check-ins, not spying: Have regular, open conversations about their social media usage. Where necessary, review their apps and messages to ensure safety boundaries are respected.
The real threat
“Kidnappers may be driven by ransom demands, coercion, trafficking, or even revenge,” Hattingh adds. “This isn’t fiction—it’s a reality many families face. Our goal is to empower children with the tools to navigate real-life and digital environments safely.”
Hattingh urges all parents to maintain open communication, establish trust-based safety protocols, and continuously adapt to new threats posed by technology and social engineering tactics.
If your child ever goes missing or you witness suspicious activity, report it immediately to SAPS at 10111 or contact a child protection organisation like Missing Children SA.
