Cape Town – An inter-governmental task force has been formed in an effort to stop a wave of kidnappings and extortion in Cape Town.
Last Friday, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, confirmed that The South African Police Service (SAPS) had agreed to the City’s request for SAPS to utilise the services of its specialised units and form an inter-governmental kidnapping and extortion task force.
This came after two more incidents of kidnapping in Cape Town – one resulting in the death of an eight-year-old boy, Lukhololwam Mkontwana in iSiqalo, and the other the disappearance of Anichka Penev who was abducted in broad daylight last week.
According to News24, Brigadier Novela Potelwa said, that over the years, the SAPS in the Western Cape has been collaborating with others in law enforcement on matters that related to the safety of its inhabitants.
“However, it is imperative that such matters of mutual interest are handled with the necessary care and consideration without losing sight of the very individuals whose safety is being ensured,” Potelwa said.
JP Smith said kidnapping incidents were a loud reminder to the City that concrete and effective action was needed.
“Our officers are ready to play an active and operational role in supporting the SAPS, interdicting these crimes and ensuring that convictions take place,” he said.
Meanwhile, an international security company, Crisis24, has reportedly drawn fire after it offered “advice” to people travelling to Cape Town, warning them to avoid “lower-income areas” of the city.
“Consider avoiding nonessential travel to lower-income areas of Cape Town, particularly at night and unescorted. Maintain a low public profile and do not show outward displays of wealth, particularly if traveling alone and in higher-risk locations. Do not discuss plans and routes publicly,” the firm advised.
“Kidnapping for ransom and extortion of foreigners and their family members is an increasing concern in the greater Cape Town area, especially those showing overt displays of wealth. Extortion of owners of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs is common in central Cape Town,” it added.
The company also mentioned the kidnapping statistics in the country, saying that over 3 000 kidnapping cases were reported in South Africa between April and June of 2022; of these, 237 were reported in Western Cape Province.
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Compiled by Junaid Benjamin
