On September 25, 2020, two Chinese citizens were kidnapped in Cape Town, Western Cape Province of South Africa. One of them managed to escape, but the other was killed. The police of Western Cape have arrested three suspects and are investigating the case. The Consulate General of China has asked the police to find out the cause of death as soon as possible and arrest the suspects at large.

This is the 12th such crime targeting overseas Chinese in Cape Town since December 2019, the fifth (including one attempted kidnapping) since September, and also the first to cause casualties. Kidnapping, a low-cost way for abductors to make fast cash, has become a primary threat to the safety of overseas Chinese within the areas the Consulate General of China has consular jurisdiction over, especially Cape Town. Overseas Chinese must pay high attention to relevant risks.

Due to multiple factors such as relaxed pandemic containment measures, staggering economic growth and high unemployment rates in South Africa, overseas Chinese may be faced with further aggravated security risks. We once again remind Chinese citizens in Cape Town, especially those who do businesses, to stay on high alert, intensify security precautions, and pay close attention to the security reminders issued by the Consulate General of China and the platform of the Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center. In case of an abduction, you should put your own safety in the first place and avoid irritating the criminals. The family members should keep calm and report the case to the police and the Consulate General of China as soon as possible. The police will deploy negotiation experts to assist in dealing with the kidnappers. The family members should collaborate with the police to ensure the safety of the hostages at the minimum cost.

Emergency numbers in South Africa:

Police: 10111

Emergency service: 112 or 10177

Consulate General of China in Cape Town: 0723096634

Cape Town Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center: 0833128111

Cape West Coast Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center: 0798748888