Recently, there has been a rise in violence as South Africa moved to a lower lockdown level. Since last December, there have been more than ten kidnapping cases against Chinese citizens in South Africa, posing a serious threat to their personal and property safety. In the above-mentioned cases, the kidnappers had clear goals and were highly skilled as members of criminal gangs and organized crime groups. The cases also showed the following characteristics. First, the victims were mostly overseas Chinese store owners who often carried large sums of cash. Second, victims were mostly kidnapped when commuting, especially near weekends and the end of a month. Third, in terms of location, Chinese who ran shops in high-risk areas such as Cape Town and Johannesburg were more likely to be targets.

In light of the frequent occurrence of kidnapping against Chinese citizens, the Chinese Embassy in South Africa has made serious representations with the South African Police Service (SAPS) on several occasions, urging it to investigate and solve the cases in time and make every effort to protect the safety of local Chinese citizens. However, given the local security situations, Chinese citizens will continue to face high security risks in the short term. The key to protecting yourself is to be vigilant and strengthen safety measures. First, pay close attention to local security situations and news, and avoid going to high-risk areas. Second, strengthen personnel management and do not hire workers illegally. Third, improve security facilities such as video surveillance and alarm systems, and purchase personal and property insurance. Fourth, reduce the amount of cash and inventory kept in your store, and avoid going to the same bank regularly. Fifth, do not always travel the same routes to and from work. Be observant when you get on or off a bus or car, or during your journey, and watch out for suspicious persons or vehicles.

If you are kidnapped, make your own safety top priority. Avoid arguing with the kidnapper or fighting back. Don't make promises easily or reveal too much about your financial circumstances. Try to remember the physical characteristics of the kidnapper so that you can report them to the police, the embassy, and the Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center after being released. The embassy will urge SAPS to solve the cases as promptly as possible and ensure the safe return of the hostages at minimal cost.

SAPS: 10111

Emergency number in South Africa: 999 or 082911

24-hour Hotline of the Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +86-10-12308 or +86-10-59913991

Consular Protection and Assistance from the Chinese Embassy in South Africa: 0027-12-3428826

Consular Protection and Assistance from the Chinese Consulate General in Johannesburg: 0027-715111494

Consular Protection and Assistance from the Chinese Consulate General in Cape Town: 0027-723096634

Consular Protection and Assistance from the Chinese Consulate General in Durban: 0027-76174293

Chinese Community and Police Cooperation Center in South Africa: 011-6229515 or 6228286