AUTOFORUM

MISA comment - Be aware of kidnapping crisis in Gauteng

May 26, 2026 South African Police Service’s (SAPS), MISA, Martlé Keyter, kidnapping, robbery,

MISA comment - Be aware of kidnapping crisis in Gauteng

An average of 27 victims is kidnapped and robbed and/or held for ransom per day according to the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) latest crime statistics. Gauteng is the epicentre, with 2 452 cases recorded between January and March 2026. Alarmingly, 163 ransom-related kidnappings were reported in Gauteng alone, accounting for more than 75% of the national figure.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says these figures is extremely concerning especially since the SAPS established a specialised unit in the province in March to focus on crimes related to kidnappings and extortion. These crimes have increasingly become sophisticated and coordinated, posing a serious threat not only to public safety, but also to economic stability and service delivery in the province.

According to Keyter the Union is also concerned if all cases are treated as a priority. The SAPS arrested four suspects a week after former well-known paramedic Braam Kruger was lured to a guest house, robbed and murdered in Brooklyn, Pretoria in April. They are now applying for bail.

However, MISA notes that the SAPS has not yet arrested the known suspect for the brutal murder of 30-year-old student, Olorato Mongale. Bongani Mthimkhulu is alleged to have been involved in the abduction and killing of Mongale, who was last seen entering a white Volkswagen Polo on 25 May 2025 in Johannesburg. Her body was discovered hours later in Lombardy East.

Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, says the Union also appeal to the unit to focus on all the unresolved cases. “Justice delayed is justice denied. Can you imagine the heartbreak endured by Olorato’s parents, knowing that a year later, her killer remains free? This is a travesty. No case must be forgotten. Olorato’s death must serve as a catalyst for decisive action against violent kidnappings.”

The police warn the public against severe risks associated with dating apps, including kidnappings for ransom, violent robberies and romance scams. Criminal syndicates frequently use fake profiles on platforms like Tinder and Grindr to lure victims into compromising situations, sometimes blackmailing or extorting them.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature's Portfolio Committee on Community Safety earlier warned the public to exercise extreme caution when ‘hooking up’ with strangers through online dating and social media platforms.

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