An anti-crime activist, Yusuf Abramjee has broken down the patterns for most kidnappings done in South Africa as he claims most are done for the sake of ransom and also targeted at people of Indian origin.
According to Abramjee, the rate of kidnapping in the country has increased recently. He also explained the two types of gangs.
“You get your organized and highly skilled gangs. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Moti brothers were taken by one of those gangs. And then you have your smaller, copycat gangs that go for a quick buck.
Abramjee said in various parts of the country he knew of at least two or three other victims of kidnapping who are still missing.
He said in 99.9% of the cases, criminals want a ransom. He said these gangs will demand anything from R50 000 to R2 million.
“Then you get the bigger syndicates who will demand anything from R2m up to R50m. Some even have international links.”
Regarding whether or not ransom was paid for the Moti Brothers, Abramjee said he was not sure of the specifics, however, it forms part of the ongoing SAPS investigation.
He added that in most of the cases, very few or no arrests are made. In Gauteng and the North West, Abramjee said there were people arrested but they are still awaiting trial.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if some of these gangs are aided and abetted by rogue cops. This is worrying for me,” he said.
Abramjee said kidnap syndicates often take days, even weeks to plan out their attack.
“They do their homework extensively, in some cases for up to six months. They even know how much money their victim’s family has access to. They know how big the business is and how much money the family has in their bank account,” he said.
He added that this was the first time where children were taken, as in other cases adults are kidnapped while on their way to prayers or coming from work. He said usually, the syndicate makes contact with the victim’s family to demand money and in some extreme cases, bitcoin.