17 Sep Portuguese Butchers in Johannesburg Targeted in Ransom Kidnappings
Johannesburg, 5 July 2024 – The Portuguese small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMME) sector in Johannesburg is grappling with a disturbing trend: a surge in ransom-related kidnappings specifically targeting Portuguese butchers. This alarming development, which began in January 2023, has seen at least 20 Portuguese butchery owners and entrepreneurs abducted, with ransom demands often reaching millions of rand.
- EXCLUSIVE | Portuguese butchery owners targeted in Gauteng kidnappings
- SMME butcheries across Johannesburg targeted by syndicate
- Police rescue two Portuguese businessmen in one week
- Police rescue another kidnapped Portuguese butchery owner
- Portuguese businessman kidnapped for ransom rescued in Soweto
In a recent development, Bongani Dube, a 39-year-old allegedly involved in this criminal syndicate, appeared in court on 4 July. Dube faces multiple charges, including kidnapping, extortion, and robbery with aggravating circumstances. His arrest follows a particularly harrowing case in Florida, where a Portuguese butcher was held hostage and a ransom of R10 million was demanded for his release.
Eyewitness News reports that the Portuguese community in Florida has rallied in support of the victims, emphasising the impact these crimes have on local businesses and their employees. “We buy from him, he’s a good guy, he’s a businessman and employing people, so why should they do that to him?” lamented a local resident.
South African authorities are responding with increased vigilance. The South African Police Service (SAPS), along with the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and private security, have been actively working to combat these kidnappings. Recently, a Portuguese butcher kidnapped in Roodepoort was rescued from a house in Snake Park, Soweto, within a week. The SAPS has made significant progress, rescuing 12 businessmen and six students over the past six months and arresting 49 individuals linked to ransom demands.
Notably, the ransom demands have varied widely, from R400,000 to R3.5 million, with some cases starting at R10 million. The attacks seem to have a regional pattern, with many victims originally from Madeira, Portugal. Authorities suspect that some kidnappers may have Mozambican connections, as evidenced by their use of Portuguese in negotiations, a tactic believed to indicate links to the Mozambican underworld.
The rising violence associated with these kidnappings has also led to disturbing incidents involving police corruption. Adolph Mnisi, a constable from Bramley police station, was recently arrested for his alleged involvement in a kidnapping case. This case, among others, has raised concerns about the integrity of the police force and the effectiveness of their response to such crimes.
Portuguese community leaders, including Roberto Silva from the Portuguese Forum of SA, are calling for increased action from authorities. They view the kidnappings as a direct attack on their community and are urging SAPS and other stakeholders to enhance efforts to restore safety and uphold the rule of law.
The surge in kidnappings has not only affected wealthy targets but has also spurred copycat crimes in poorer communities, with ransom demands as low as R3,000. Unfortunately, even when ransoms are paid, these cases often end tragically.
Gauteng has seen a sharp increase in kidnappings, with a 20% rise recorded between October and December 2023. The province remains a hotspot for such crimes, accounting for more than half of the country’s kidnapping cases during this period.
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