Page 9 - FWG Issue 10 November 2024

Security

KIDNAPPING AND HIJACKING SITUATIONAL

AWARENESS

24/7 Security Services has noted the increase in media coverage
relating to kidnappings and missing persons. Statistics show this type What is situational awareness, and

of crime is increasing – and everyone is at risk! why does it matter?
Situational awareness is being aware
of what is happening around you and
recognising whether there could be a
Who are the targets? threat to your safety or security. Well-
Looking at the types of people that are most accounts. Some victims are forced to make honed situational awareness skills
vulnerable to kidnappings in South Africa, payments into bank accounts outside of help you identify the early signs of a
Police Minister Bheki Cele warned at the the country, which makes tracing the funds threat and react and respond quickly
end of last year that criminal syndicates are nearly impossible for law enforcement. In to potential danger.
heavily targeting wealthy businesspeople – other cases, victims’ accounts are used to
as well as university students. make online purchases locally and across When we have many things going
South Africa’s borders. on around us, we may fail to notice
In a public briefing note published in signs that a situation is changing and
2023, Cele noted the increase in cases, Although vigilance might help stop some becoming more volatile. Sometimes,
highlighting that these crimes are being incidents, it is no magic elixir. When the these signs may be tough to pick
committed by kidnapping syndicates worst that can happen happens, follow the up on, and even if we don’t spot
targeting selected individuals for means following guidelines: something, it doesn’t mean it’s
of ransom. After several arrests, the SAPS • Cooperate not happening. In noisy and busy
noted that these syndicates targeted The safety of your life should always be a environments, such as reception areas
businesspeople by luring them with fake top priority. If someone is threatening you or public transport, we can become
tender proposals. The SAPS further pointed with violence, it’s best to cooperate and do absorbed in our thoughts and fail to
out that the suspects, who were dressed in as they say to ensure your well-being. see and hear signs of a threat.
police uniforms, were found holding the • Stay calm
victim hostage and demanding an amount Try to remain as calm as possible. Panic can Avoid complacency:
of R300,000. escalate the situation, so keeping a level • Acknowledge that certain
head is essential. circumstances may place you at a
Ordinary people are also targets. A • Memorise details heightened risk.
prevalent trend is ‘express kidnappings’, Make mental notes about the assailants’ • Do not advertise your home address
where motorists are hijacked and driven in appearance, accents, or identifying online or in printed material, such as
their own vehicle (or another vehicle) to an features. This information may be helpful to business cards etc.
ATM and forced to withdraw cash. Victims law enforcement later. • Do not become complacent in your
are also robbed of valuables such as laptops • Stay passive usual surroundings.
and cell phones. Avoid any sudden or aggressive actions Be alert when:
that could provoke the kidnappers. • Arriving to and departing from your
Kidnapping/hijacking and banking App • Comply with their demands home or workplace
crimes Comply with their instructions, such as • Entering and exiting a vehicle
A worrying crime trend involves victims accessing your banking apps. Your personal • Travelling to planned events
who are being kidnapped and coerced, safety should always come first! • On regular journeys
often under the threat of violence, into • Seek help later • In unusual or new surroundings
making transfers from their banking apps, Once the situation is resolved, immediately • Always display an air of confidence,
frequently stripping them of all their contact the authorities and your bank to even if you don’t feel it.
savings or completely looting their other report the incident.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Please report all security-related matters immediately, without delay.

A delay in reporting = a delay in resolution.

On-site Control Contact details:
011 465 5466 or 066 261 7671

Fourways Gardens • 7 • November 2024