JOHANNESBURG - Kidnappers have become sophisticated in their criminal acts using cryptocurrency as a way to acquire random.
This is according to crime expert Yusuf Abramjee speaking at the backdrop of the rise of kidnapping cases in South Africa.
According to Abramjee , there is a 50% chance that kidnapped victims are released without a ransom.
"Kidnappers even ask for money to be paid via Bitcoin. This just shows you how these criminals are dangerous.
"To some extent, kidnappers may take you, hostage, hold you for a few hours and force you at gunpoint to give them your [banking] app passwords from there they go to your banking apps transfer the money, empty your bank account and few hours later you are released," he said.
READ | WATCH | Emman Ghunman reunited with family after being kidnapped
According to Abramjee in 2024 an estimated 20 000 kidnapping cases which a chunk are express kidnapping cases wherein a victim is held captive for almost 12 hours to 48 hours for a 'quick' cash like getting into one's banking app.
The other bigger cases that have been on the increase are ransom kidnappings where suspects demand anything from R100 000 to just over a million rands, he added.
These types of random kidnapping cases according to Abramjee are "well planned and executed by highly dangerous gangs"
For every kidnapping case, each suspect according to Abramjee has a specialty these include
| Group 1: The ones who track and monitor your every move over weeks or months Group 2: The ones who snatch you Group 3: The ones who keep you hostage Group 4: The negotiators who negotiate ransom payments |
The kingpin behind these crimes is often a question that arises and according to Abramjee those behind these crimes are either organized gangs who hunt for the big fish or copycat gangs who do random surveillance and kidnapping.
But even then both groups come resourced with firearms and vehicles.
"Whether it organized gangs or copycat gangs they are dangerous,"
In a recent case, 9-year-old Emman Ghunman was kidnapped outside her school last week in East London.
The girl has been found.
A video shared on social media allegedly showed her begging her parents to pay a ransom.
It is still unclear how she was released.
To date, three suspects, aged between 20 and 67, appeared before East London Magistrate’s Court on 12 February 2025.
The trio is facing allegations of kidnapping.
Besides Emaan Fatima Ghumman's abduction last week, there have been many other reported cases.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu admitted that kidnappings are becoming a problem in the country.