According to information from the Embassy in South Africa dated September 6th, recent incidents have occurred in the Selby and Jemiston areas of Johannesburg, South Africa, where Chinese citizens have been kidnapped. The kidnappers target Chinese citizens who own shops or bars, and their primary purpose is to demand a ransom. They choose to carry out attacks while the victims are delivering goods or near the stores. The personal safety and property of these Chinese citizens are under serious threat. The Embassy in South Africa reminds all Chinese citizens to pay close attention to the local security and public order situation, enhance their awareness of safety protection, and take proactive measures to prevent kidnapping risks.
1. Strengthen security measures. It is advisable to choose communities with complete security facilities and safe surrounding environments for living. Overseas Chinese who work in high-risk areas should move away as soon as possible. Increase security measures around shops and during travel. Use remote monitoring and other methods to oversee shops, and equip stores with portable security devices such as “one-key alarm systems”. Strengthen daily communication with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Plan ahead for safety evacuation and escape routes to reduce the risk of being kidnapped.
II. Ensure travel safety. Adjust the store's operating hours appropriately to avoid traveling alone in the early morning or at night. Frequently change your commuting and delivery routes and times. Pay attention to the surrounding environment and strangers when entering and leaving business and residential areas, as well as when driving. If you notice someone following you, quickly drive to a nearby police station or gas station, which are relatively safe places. Depending on the situation, seek help from Chinese communities. Avoid going to areas where kidnapping incidents are more likely to occur and where public security is not stable.
III. Operate in accordance with laws and regulations. Comply with local laws, try to hire locals, ensure legal employment practices, strengthen the understanding of employees and temporary workers, and conduct regular monitoring. Handle labor relations properly. Do not disclose personal address, travel plans, vehicles, work schedules, or financial information without authorization, to avoid legal issues due to illegal employment practices. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you, and do not discuss company operations, payment transactions, or family finances in public places.
IV. Stay calm and composed. In the event of danger, try to remain calm and prioritize your safety. Identify a suitable time to call for help or escape. If escape is not possible, do not confront the kidnappers, do not disclose information about your family, and do not promise a ransom. Act flexibly according to the situation in order to facilitate police rescue efforts. The victim’s family should report the incident promptly to the police and follow the advice of police negotiators. Do not easily promise a high ransom. Actively provide relevant details to the police and cooperate fully with their investigation efforts to ensure the swift rescue of the kidnapped person.
The embassy in South Africa will continue to promote the South African police to promptly investigate cases involving Chinese citizens, thereby effectively protecting the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.
