A surge in kidnappings in the country has cast a spotlight on the impact this violent crime has on individuals.
Image: Graphic: Kim Kay / IOL
Children go missing every day, and for many families, this terrifying reality is amplified by the growing threat of hijackings.
In South Africa, where violent crime remains a critical issue, the rise of child kidnappings has become an increasingly alarming trend.
According to the latest crime statistics released by Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu for the 2023/2024 financial year, kidnappings remain a significant problem, with just over 1,300 child kidnappings reported in 2024.
Disturbingly, children frequently find themselves caught in the crossfire. These crimes extend beyond mere theft of vehicles or valuables; they involve lives at stake, with innocent children suffering harm or even losing their lives in these violent and unpredictable incidents.
The heart-wrenching stories of children killed during hijackings illustrate the terrifying impact of these crimes.
In May 2018, nine-year-old Sadia Sukhraj was tragically killed during a hijacking in Durban while traveling with her father and brother. As hijackers ambushed the family, her father’s attempt to fight back inadvertently led to her death.
In September 2024, 11-year-old Zarah Ramsamy was killed in Malvern when hijackers ran her over as they fled the scene.
Just months earlier, in May 2024, five-year-old Ditebogo Phalane was killed in Soshanguve after his father became the target of hijackers, with Ditebogo caught in the crossfire.
Amid rising kidnappings, educating children about safety without inducing fear is key. Parents must teach safe behaviors and ensure children understand how to react in dangerous situations for better protection.
Image: IOL/Simon Majadibodu
These tragic stories are just a few examples of the rising number of children who fall victim to hijackings in South Africa.
According to the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), kidnappings reported to the police have nearly quadrupled (260%) over the past decade, reflecting a growing trend of violent crime in South Africa.
In 2024, the South African Police Service (SAPS) reported a significant surge in kidnappings, with 17,061 cases recorded for the 2023/24 period. This marks an 11% increase from the previous year, underlining the sharp rise in these crimes.
A breakdown of the statistics paints a concerning picture: Gauteng once again recorded the highest number of kidnappings, with 8,683 cases, while KwaZulu-Natal followed with 3,329 cases.
The number of kidnapping incidents in the country continues to grow at an alarming rate, with roughly 51 kidnappings occurring every day.
This surge in cases is deeply troubling, as it signifies a sharp increase in the criminal elements targeting individuals for a range of reasons, from financial extortion to trafficking.
In response to this alarming trend, security expert Mike Bolhuis offers critical advice on how families can better protect their children during such incidents.
He emphasised that parents should travel with children only when necessary, preferably during the day, and ensure they are vigilant at all times.
"Children must learn to adhere to rules and regulations, especially in a vehicle," says Bolhuis. "They should avoid drawing attention by being naughty in the car, as this can make you less alert to potential threats."
Bolhuis also advises that families, especially those with children between the ages of six and twelve, must teach their children to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
"They need to understand what crime is, why it happens, and the serious nature of these violent crimes. It is vital that children understand that they can be kidnapped or even killed during such incidents."
According to Bolhuis, it is crucial to go through these discussions and simulate potentially dangerous situations so that children have a clear understanding of how to respond.
If a kidnapping or hijacking occurs, Bolhuis stresses that cooperation is key. "Children should avoid confrontation and should not make eye contact with the criminals. They should stay calm, obey the instructions, and comply fully with the hijackers’ demands."
He acknowledges that this is a very difficult and frightening situation but insists that the family’s prior knowledge and preparation can make a significant difference in reducing the risks involved.
Bolhuis further advises families to ensure strict security measures at home, like alarm systems, and to always travel with trackers or tracers on both phones and vehicles.
"Tracking devices are essential for quickly locating victims, especially in high-value kidnappings where criminals may not be deterred by loud alarms or locked doors," he explains.
While child hijackings remain a grave concern, Bolhuis also highlights that the primary targets of kidnappers are often individuals with significant wealth or valuable assets.
"Criminals study their victims—knowing their business, the luxury cars they drive, and the jewelry they wear. High-value targets, including families, are often kidnapped for ransom, and children are sometimes taken for more sinister reasons, such as child trafficking or forced labor."
He notes that kidnappers have become increasingly sophisticated, using pre-planned operations where they remain anonymous, often wearing balaclavas and using specialised vehicles.
This has made these criminals harder to catch, though efforts by the authorities and independent investigators have led to significant improvements in tracking and rescuing victims.
Bolhuis strongly advocates for the use of technology to combat kidnappings. "Tracking devices, surveillance systems, and even microchipping can significantly increase the chances of rescuing victims, whether they are children or adults," he says.
By adopting such technologies, families can better protect themselves against the growing threat of child hijackings.
The mental and emotional impact of being kidnapped during a hijacking is profound, especially for children.
Dr. Keitumetse “Tumi” Mashego, a Clinical and Sports Psychologist, explains that such traumatic experiences can lead to severe psychological distress.
"Being kidnapped during a hijacking typically causes anxiety, fear, and uncertainty," Mashego says.
"These responses can differ from child to child but often lead to severe mental health challenges that affect their social, emotional, academic, or personal functioning."
Children who experience trauma like hijackings may show signs of regression in their development, including issues with eating, sleeping, and bathroom habits.
“Some children may regress in terms of milestones, such as difficulty eating or sleeping alone, bedwetting, or even developmental delays like walking,” she said.
In addition to these regressions, children may become overly emotional, clingy, or exhibit signs of anxiety, such as nightmares, fearfulness, or poor school performance.
Behavioural issues like aggression or acting out for attention are also common responses, as well as changes in personality, where quieter children may become more talkative, or more active children may withdraw.
Mashego further explains that children who experience hijacking trauma may also suffer from cognitive and physical symptoms.
“Children can experience physical symptoms such as stomach aches, headaches, and mood swings, along with cognitive issues like forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and frustration.
“These signs are often indicators that the child is struggling with the emotional aftermath of the traumatic event.”
The trauma caused by a hijacking can lead to long-term mental health conditions, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and trust issues. Mashego explained that children can develop these conditions, which could persist long after the event itself.
“In extreme cases, children may develop long-term mental health disorders like depression or PTSD,” she warned. “If not addressed, these issues can impact a child’s ability to form healthy relationships, perform well in school, and navigate social situations.”
Given the potential long-term effects, Mashego stressed the importance of early intervention. “It is critical for parents to seek professional help from child trauma specialists to help their children process the trauma and cope with moving forward,” she said.
Therapy options such as play therapy and teddy bear therapy can be effective in helping younger children process their emotions, while more severe cases may require the involvement of a child psychiatrist for medication or additional support.
Supporting children after a traumatic event like a hijacking requires patience, understanding, and professional help, she said. Mashego suggested several strategies for parents to help their children recover psychologically.
“It’s important for parents to reassure their children that they are safe and to create a supportive environment where they can process their emotions.
“Seeking help from professionals who specialise in trauma can help children work through their feelings and learn how to cope with their experiences.”
Parents should also educate their children about safety without creating unnecessary fear. Mashego recommended teaching children age-appropriate safety behaviors and helping them identify trusted adults.
“Teach your children that not all people are safe, and help them understand what is unsafe behavior and what they should do in emergencies,” she said.
“As they grow older, self-defense skills are also important, but it’s essential to avoid creating excessive fear.”
In high-stress situations like hijackings, children need strategies to stay calm. Mashego suggested simple but effective coping techniques: “If possible, hold your child and guide them to close their eyes and ears. Encourage them to breathe slowly and reassure them that you are with them,” she said.
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