New crime tactic in South Africa that’s so bad other countries are warning their citizens about it

Kidnapping people for ransom has become a notable concern over the past year in South Africa, and now countries like China have issued warnings to all their citizens living in or travelling to the country. 

In a statement issued at the end of May 2025, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa urged Chinese nationals to take immediate precautions, following a spate of attacks. 

The embassy noticed a surge in violent crimes targeting Chinese nationals. It highlighted that in one weekend, two cases of kidnappings and one case of fatal home invasion and robbery hit members of the Chinese community.

The embassy warned that the situation required urgent attention and that Chinese nationals needed to “heighten security awareness and take proactive measures to prevent violent crimes.” 

It advised individuals to choose where they live and work carefully, avoid high-risk areas, and prioritise locations with solid security infrastructure. 

“Strictly plan business schedules and avoid going out after dark. Given South Africa’s current winter season, businesses are highly recommended to close by 17h00 to ensure safe return before nightfall, steering clear of peak crime hours,” the statement added.

The embassy also recommended that citizens enhance their physical security through licensed security firms and alarm systems, and avoid showing or wearing items of wealth.

“Solitary individuals are prime targets for criminals and lack responsive aid in emergencies. Always ensure someone can accompany you when outside,” the embassy said. 

Vulnerable groups, including the elderly, were advised to carry panic buttons and maintain regular contact with family or friends.

On 6 July, the Chinese Embassy issued another alert, specifically warning of kidnapping syndicates operating in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. 

According to the embassy, criminals tend to strike on weekends, especially after business hours when shops close and people are in transit, when police response tends to be slower.

The embassy warned that the outlook for violent incidents involving Chinese nationals remains grim.” 

It urged citizens to be vigilant, especially on weekends, and to install tracking devices, emergency alarms, or enable location-sharing features on smartphones. 

In the event of a kidnapping, victims were advised to stay calm, avoid confrontation, and never disclose personal or financial information to their captors.

A broader concern for all in South Africa 

While the Chinese Embassy’s warnings focus on its citizens, the concerns they raise reflect a broader trend of deteriorating safety for anyone in South Africa. 

According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), kidnapping cases have surged in 2025. 

From January to March alone, 4,571 cases were reported, an increase of 6.8% compared to the same period in 2024. That means, on average, 51 people are abducted every day in South Africa.

Gauteng remained the most affected province, accounting for over half (52.8%) of all reported cases. KwaZulu-Natal followed with 18.7%, and Mpumalanga with 5.6%.

Gauteng also recorded the sharpest increase in cases, up 15.8% year-on-year. In contrast, cases in the Western Cape and the Free State decreased by 19.1% and 13%, respectively.

These figures align with the embassy’s alerts and warnings from local authorities and business leaders. 

Gauteng police have reported nearly 150 kidnapping-for-ransom cases in the first quarter of the year, nearly two every day. In the Eastern Cape, concerns about kidnapping and violent crime are also mounting. 

At the Ultra Performers Business and Leadership Gala in Gqeberha in April, members of the province’s business community warned that worsening crime deters investment. 

Property developer Sisa Ngalwana, who has built malls across South Africa, said extortion and the abduction of businesspeople are seriously damaging economic prospects in the region.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber echoed this concern. CEO Denise van Huyssteen said the police in the province are severely under-resourced and called for urgent intervention. 

She noted that while high poverty and unemployment levels may contribute to crime, “this is no excuse for allowing criminality to continue unabated.” 

She warned that without significant improvements in safety and security, the province risks losing much-needed investment, undermining economic development and job creation.