City of Cape Town officers are improving their skills on how to best investigate kidnapping and extortion cases. The Safety and Security Directorate joined members from other South African enforcement agencies for an anti-kidnap and extortion workshop. Members attached to the United States of America’s FBI and the United Kingdom presented the workshop.

The City of Cape Town facilitated the workshop. It focused on training officers on the best practice in kidnap and extortion investigations. This training is in line with the United Nations Manual of Guidance for countering Kidnapping and Extortion.

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith says officers who respond to such cases need to be properly equipped to effectively respond to the situation.

“These crimes are on the increase in South Africa and as criminals are upping their game, so we have to ensure the skills of law enforcement also don’t lag behind”

The National Prosecuting Authority, SAPS’s Anti kidnapping Unit, and members from the City Safety and Security departments attended the class.

“I want to reiterate the call for a SAPS task team to focus on these crimes. We support the response to cases and play an active role as far as possible. More needs to be done and by working together we can keep communities safe and put an end to these extortion syndicates”

The City says residents that they can report a crime, including extortion, kidnapping, and by-law offences. Tip-offs can be anonymous. Residents can call 0800 110077 at any time of the day.

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Smith thanked the National Crime Agency of the UK, the FBI, and the US Diplomatic Security Service, for the week long workshop on kidnapping and extortion.

“The knowledge gained and the relationships built are valued in fighting the criminals involved in these crimes in Cape Town. By working together, we are able to enhance our capabilities, strengthen our response, and possibly prevent some of these crimes”