10 Jun Crime Statistics: Gauteng’s Kidnapping Crisis
The latest crime statistics paint a stark picture of Gauteng’s deepening kidnapping crisis. With a 15.8% spike in cases between January and March 2025—more than double the national average—Gauteng has firmly earned the unfortunate title of South Africa’s kidnapping capital. Over half of the country’s kidnappings now occur in the province, with Johannesburg and Soweto emerging as epicentres.
According to security strategist Andy Mashaile, four key drivers fuel this surge: opportunistic “express” kidnappings linked to hijackings and robberies; targeted extortion by syndicates, especially in the construction sector; systemic policing failures and outdated legislation; and the harsh socio-economic reality of poverty and unemployment.