According to a report from the 'Chinese Embassy in South Africa' official account on September 6, recent incidents of kidnapping and extortion have occurred in areas such as Selby and Jamestown in Johannesburg, South Africa, targeting shops and liquor stores owned by expatriates.
CCTV News Channel reported on June 21 that Johannesburg is one of the cities with the highest crime rates in the world, carrying the notorious reputation of being 'the most dangerous city in the world'.
According to the African Times, on April 9 this year, a kidnapping incident targeting Chinese citizens occurred in Johannesburg. Two Chinese expatriates, from Taiwan China and Hunan Province respectively, came into contact with a Mozambican person due to private exchange of currencies. They were lured to an area with complex security conditions and later kidnapped by several criminals.
After the incident, the victim managed to send a distress message to family members back home. Family members immediately contacted the management of Jopla Chinatown. With the rapid response of local Chinese communities and security forces, the victim was successfully rescued within about 12 hours, with no casualties. After the rescue operation, security personnel safely escorted the two individuals to Jopla Chinatown and placed them in a local hotel for rest and psychological counseling.
According to information disclosed by Guangming Net, earlier in March, another Chinese minor was kidnapped in Soweto, Gauteng Province, South Africa. After the incident occurred, the embassy and consulate quickly activated emergency response mechanisms, coordinated with the police, and worked together with local Chinese community members to handle the situation on the scene. Eventually, on the evening of May 1st, the police commissioner of Gauteng Province notified the Chinese Embassy in South Africa and the Consulate General in Johannesburg that, through extensive coordination, the previously kidnapped Chinese minor had been successfully rescued.
The embassy in South Africa reminds Chinese expatriates to enhance their safety awareness: strengthen security measures, choose safe communities and install surveillance and alarm systems; ensure travel safety, avoid traveling alone in the early morning or at night, and prevent being followed; operate legally and comply with regulations, handle labor relations properly without showing excessive wealth; in case of danger, prioritize personal safety, respond calmly, and do not easily promise payment for ransom.
Recently, kidnapping incidents involving Chinese citizens have occurred in the Selby and Jemiston areas of Johannesburg, South Africa. The kidnappers target Chinese citizens who own shops or bars, and their primary motive is to demand a ransom. They choose to carry out attacks while the victims are delivering goods or near their stores. The personal safety of these Chinese citizens is seriously threatened. The Chinese embassy in South Africa reminds all Chinese citizens to closely monitor the local security situation, enhance their awareness of security measures, and take proactive steps to prevent kidnapping risks.
1. Strengthen security measures. It is recommended to choose communities with complete security facilities and a safe surrounding environment for operation and residence. Overseas Chinese who work in high-risk areas should move away as soon as possible. Increase security measures around stores and during travel. Use remote monitoring and other methods to oversee stores, and equip with portable prevention devices such as “one-button alarms”. Strengthen daily communication with relatives, friends, and neighbors. Plan safety evacuation routes in advance 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 the routes and times for commuting and delivering goods. Pay close attention to the surrounding environment and strangers when entering and leaving business or residential areas, as well as during driving trips, to prevent being followed. If a situation of following is detected, quickly drive to a nearby police station or gas station, which are relatively safe places. Seek help from Chinese communities if necessary. Avoid areas with high risks of kidnapping and unstable public security conditions.
III. Operate in accordance with laws and regulations. Comply with local laws, try to hire locals, ensure legal employment practices, strengthen the understanding and daily observation of employees and temporary workers, and handle labor relations properly. Do not disclose one’s address, travel plans, vehicle information, schedule, or financial details without authorization, to avoid legal issues caused by 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 case of danger, try to remain calm and prioritize your safety. Identify an appropriate time to call for help or escape. If escape is not possible, do not confront the kidnappers, do not reveal your family’s financial situation, and do not promise a ransom. Act flexibly according to the situation to facilitate the police’s rescue efforts. The victim’s family should report to the police promptly and follow the advice of police negotiators. Do not easily promise a large ransom; actively provide relevant details to the police and cooperate fully with their investigations to ensure the quick liberation of the kidnapped person.
The embassy in South Africa will continue to promote the South African police to promptly investigate cases involving Chinese citizens, and to effectively safeguard the safety and legal rights of Chinese citizens.
South African emergency number: 10111
South Africa Consulate Phone for Consular Protection and Assistance: 0027-10-4925583
Johannesburg Consulate General's Contact and Assistance Number: 0027-10-4986234
Kapstadt Consulate General Contact and Assistance Phone:
0027-21-6747668
Consulate General of China in Dhaka
Consulate protection and assistance telephone:
0027-761742938
