Criminal groups in South Africa are increasingly adopting a dangerous tactic that involves kidnapping individuals and coercing them into transferring money using banking applications installed on their mobile phones.
Key Takeaways
- Express kidnappings are rising: Criminals are increasingly abducting victims during everyday activities and forcing them to transfer money using banking apps on their phones.
- Routine behaviour increases risk: Many incidents occur at shopping centres, residential complexes, and during commutes, particularly when victims follow predictable daily patterns.
- Gauteng remains a major hotspot: Nearly 4,800 kidnapping cases were reported in three months, averaging 53 per day, with Gauteng accounting for more than half of incidents.
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Express Kidnappings Increasing During Everyday Activities
Security specialists have identified these incidents as “express kidnappings”, a type of crime where individuals are abducted during robberies or vehicle hijackings and then pressured into unlocking their smartphones, financial applications and digital banking profiles.
The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has indicated that this particular form of kidnapping is becoming progressively more common across South Africa, raising alarm among law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.
In numerous reported incidents, criminals act opportunistically, identifying potential victims and swiftly executing their plan to access and drain available funds from banking accounts before releasing the victim.
However, in other cases, victims are selected deliberately, with criminals targeting individuals who appear to have higher incomes, access to business funds, or perceived financial wealth.
Depending on the level of organisation and sophistication of the criminal group involved, the financial losses can range from relatively small amounts to extremely significant sums running into millions of rand. The ISS noted that this criminal behaviour forms part of a wider and deeply concerning increase in kidnapping related crimes throughout South Africa.
Incidents Often Occur During Routine Activities
Some security experts have observed that many of these incidents take place during routine daily activities, including commuting to work, shopping at retail centres, or returning home in residential areas.
According to the most recent crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), approximately 4,800 kidnapping incidents were reported nationwide between October and December of the previous year.
This equates to roughly 53 kidnapping incidents per day across the country, with Gauteng province accounting for more than half of these reported cases.
CrisisOnCall communication manager Ruan Vermaak stated that the figures highlight a serious and expanding threat, with individuals from various backgrounds being targeted by criminals.
He explained that criminals often target individuals who appear to hold well paying jobs, drive higher value vehicles, or follow predictable daily routines.
While some kidnappings are carefully planned with financial gain in mind, others begin as opportunistic robberies or hijackings that escalate when criminals realise they may gain access to a victim’s financial accounts.
Vermaak further noted that many of these incidents occur in everyday environments where individuals may be distracted or less vigilant.
These incidents frequently occur when individuals are stopped at security gates, entering residential complexes, or parking at shopping centres.
They may also occur when individuals are loading groceries into their vehicles in parking areas, with several such incidents reportedly taking place at various shopping centres across Gauteng.
In certain cases, once criminals have successfully transferred funds and emptied accounts, victims are abandoned, and the criminals proceed to steal the victim’s vehicle.
Vary your daily routine and remain alert in parking areas, as criminals often target individuals who follow predictable patterns.
Part of a Broader Trend of Rising Digital Banking Fraud
This emerging kidnapping tactic is linked to the broader increase in smartphone theft and digital banking fraud across South Africa. Banks and fraud prevention specialists have repeatedly warned that shopping malls are becoming key locations targeted by criminals.
Shopping centres present attractive opportunities for criminals due to the high volume of people, the presence of vehicles, and the likelihood that individuals are carrying smartphones with access to sensitive personal and financial information.
The Southern African Fraud Prevention Service (SAFPS) has also raised concerns regarding an increase in criminals specifically targeting smartphones to gain access to banking applications and steal funds.
These concerns have also been highlighted by the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO), which reported a substantial increase in complaints relating to digital banking fraud.
Reported cases rose by 73%, increasing from 1,436 cases between January and May to 2,483 during the same period in 2025.
The NFO has additionally warned about growing risks involving virtual banking cards, following an incident where a victim reportedly lost R500,000.
Nerosha Maseti, Lead Ombud for Banking and Credit at the NFO, explained that while virtual cards remain useful financial tools, they are not immune to fraudulent activity.
Fraudsters are able to create virtual cards and use card credentials to perform transactions after gaining access to a customer’s digital banking profile, particularly when customers unknowingly share one time passwords or approve authentication prompts.
Where These Crimes Commonly Occur
These incidents are frequently reported in the following locations:
- Shopping centre parking areas
- Residential complex entrances
- Boom gates and security checkpoints
- Petrol stations
- Quiet suburban streets
- Workplace parking areas
Criminals often observe victims for several days to identify predictable routines before acting.
Warning Signs Criminals May Be Targeting You
- Being followed for extended periods
- Suspicious vehicles waiting near home or workplace
- Individuals loitering in parking areas
- Unusual attention at security gates
If a vehicle follows you repeatedly, drive to the nearest police station or busy public location rather than going home.
Why Banking Apps Are Being Targeted
Digital banking apps provide criminals with fast access to:
| Risk Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Bank accounts | Immediate access to funds |
| Virtual cards | Instant online transactions |
| Payment apps | Quick transfers to mule accounts |
| Saved beneficiaries | Fast withdrawals and transfers |
| Personal data | Identity theft opportunities |
Many banking apps allow large transfers if biometric authentication is enabled, making unlocked phones particularly vulnerable.
How Criminals Gain Access
Criminals commonly force victims to:
- Unlock smartphones
- Provide PINs or passwords
- Approve banking notifications
- Share one time passwords
- Transfer money directly
Some banks allow “panic PIN” features that silently alert authorities. Users should check if their bank offers this option.
Safety Tips to Reduce Your Risk
- Avoid using your phone in parking areas
- Stay alert when entering or leaving your vehicle
- Do not follow predictable routines
- Enable biometric security features
- Use app withdrawal limits
Consider keeping a secondary low balance account on your mobile banking app.
What To Do If You Are Targeted
If confronted by criminals:
- Prioritise personal safety
- Avoid resisting
- Try to memorise details safely
- Report immediately after release
Contact your bank immediately to freeze accounts if access has been compromised.
Growing Concern for Authorities and Banks
Authorities and financial institutions are increasingly concerned about the rise of express kidnappings linked to digital banking access.
The trend reflects broader changes in criminal tactics, where criminals focus on immediate financial gain through digital platforms rather than traditional theft.
Financial institutions are increasingly implementing behavioural monitoring systems to detect unusual transfers.
Experts continue to urge South Africans to remain vigilant, particularly in public spaces where distractions are common and criminals may be actively searching for potential victims.
With digital banking becoming more widespread, experts warn that criminals are adapting quickly, making awareness and precaution more important than ever.
Conclusion
The rise in express kidnappings linked to banking apps highlights how criminals are adapting to South Africa’s growing use of digital banking and smartphones. With many incidents occurring during routine daily activities such as commuting, shopping, or arriving home, experts are urging South Africans to remain vigilant, avoid predictable routines, and take practical steps to protect their financial information. As this trend continues to grow, awareness and precaution are becoming increasingly important in reducing the risk of becoming a target.
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