Kidnapping is a very real problem across South Africa. Recent police crime statistics indicated that 3 975 people were kidnapped in the period between 1 October and 31 December 2023. Parents and caregivers have a duty to equip children with the knowledge and skills to deal with any crisis, including being kidnapped. “While we do not want to live in fear, we need to have frank conversations about what to do when things go wrong,” explains Charnel Hattingh, group head of Communications and Marketing for the Fidelity Services Group.
Simple actions can often keep a child or young adult safe, Hattingh explains.
They must always walk to or from school with a friend or friends. Stick to streets they know and never take shortcuts through quiet areas or empty parking lots and never walk with cell phones and iPads in full view.
If they get picked up at school, they should never leave the premises but always wait inside the schoolyard for their lift to arrive.
Younger children particularly must never get into a stranger’s car; even if the stranger claims that someone they love is hurt and that they have been sent to pick them up. Remind them that you would never send someone they do not know to fetch them.
Use a password system
If the person coming to collect them from school cannot repeat the password you and your child agreed on, they should not get into the car but immediately ask for help.
If a stranger approaches your child, they should not talk to them no matter how friendly they may seem. If someone tries to grab them, they need to fight, kick and shout.
If your child does encounter any suspicious activity, encourage them to get a good look and memorise their physical details and clothing, as well as the vehicle they are in.
Listen for any names or other details that might help identify them later.
Make sure your children memorise their full names, address, and phone number. Using a play phone, teach them when and how to dial 10111.
If they are older, they should have some emergency numbers programmed into their phone or consider having a safety app on their phone.
Advice for ‘older’ children
Keep valuables out of sight at all times, and do not use headphones as this will dampen their ability to sense their surroundings.
“The more you cut your senses off, the easier it is for someone to take you by surprise. Stay alert,” says Hattingh.
If they are walking home or to public transport, they need to alter their route. Even if it takes longer, always use a route that is well-lit and populated with houses and other walkers instead of taking shortcuts through less-friendly areas.
If you are using a taxi service, ensure it is a bona fide service provider.
Be extra cautious to go and meet anyone who befriends you on social media.
Always meet in a public space with two or three friends as backup.
Be cautious when lured by people offering you a job or modelling contract. Remember: safety in numbers.
Hattingh urges parents and caregivers to report any missing children to the police immediately and not to waste time.
More safety tips
Always know where your children are.
When parking in public places with children in the vehicle, turn the car off and take the keys out. Unless your child is much older (teenage years), do not leave your child in the car. Even if you are just running into the shop for bread, do not do it.
When it comes to social media, a safety method that could work is to follow your child on social media and have open and honest discussions about them accepting friend requests from people they do not know, and on the type of photos they post.
