CAPE TOWN - Kidnappings and extortion are on the rise and South Africans are on edge.
It’s getting so bad the City of Cape Town has sought help from international experts.
In the Western Cape, the scourge is being felt by business, investment and tourism too.
Experts say the country records about 38 kidnappings each day.
The City's JP Smith says an intelligence-driven approach to policing is needed.
He says National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola has accepted the City’s offer to assist the SAPS, who already have a specialised unit in place.
* eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.