Kidnappings surge in South Africa a cause for concern

Kidnappings in South Africa have significantly increased over the past decade, indicating a rise in organized crimes.

According to a recent Statistics South Africa report, over 16 000 kidnappings are recorded annually, with 85% of the victims being women and children.

Criminologist and national coordinator Bianca van Aswegen from Missing Children South Africa highlighted the global nature of human trafficking.

Van Aswegen says, “The bigger provinces, yes, have a bigger problem when it comes to human trafficking, but it can happen anywhere at any time to anyone, so we need to be very vigilant about that. Human trafficking is not just a South African problem but it is a worldwide problem.”

“The demand is there, it will still increase, and we need to stop that demand. If you look at human trafficking, you’ve got sexual exploitation, you’ve got forced labor, we’ve got illegal adoption happening,” she adds.

PODCAST | Bianca van Aswegan’s full interview on First Take SA: