GOOD Statement by Matthew Cook,
GOOD Gauteng Political Manager
22 September 2023
The GOOD Party welcomes the arrest of seven suspects linked to the kidnapping of a University of Witwatersrand student.
On the 19th of September, the 18-year-old was reported missing by his roommate. The kidnappers later demanded a R30,000 ransom from his family.
Whilst one of the suspects tried to withdraw the ransom from an ATM, he was arrested by a multi-disciplinary team, led by the South African Police Service.
This swift action led to the rescue of the Wits student.
Police have confirmed that the suspects are being investigated in other cases with a similar modus operandi.
It is believed that the victim was lured through a dating site, Grindr.
Grindr is the world’s largest social networking app for the LGBTQIA+ community.
However, this is not the first time Grindr or other dating Apps have been used to target victims.
GOOD calls on parents to educate their teenagers and young adults about the dangers of dating Apps.
Any site that does not force someone to confirm their identity should be approached with caution.
There are risks to any social media platform but human rights activists warn that the risks disproportionately affect the LGBTQIA+ community.
GOOD is concerned about the growing homophobic sentiments expressed in this country, with victims being targeted purely because of their sexual orientation.
LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights and should be supported by every person who believes in equality, peace, acceptance and kindness.
This victim has a long road ahead to overcome the physical and emotional trauma but his story ended with rescue.
Unfortunately, that is not the case for all kidnapping victims in the province.
Gauteng is fast becoming the kidnapping capital of South Africa.
According to the recent Crime Stats, 3,481 kidnappings were reported nationally between April and June this year, with Gauteng accounting for 1,931 cases.
GOOD calls on the Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela to urgently address the kidnapping crisis facing the province.
Media Enquiries:
Matthew Cook, GOOD Gauteng Political Manager
Cell: 074 359 8237
Email: matthewc@forgood.org.za
Samantha Jackson, GOOD Acting Media Manager
Cell: 083 550 9875
Email: media@forgood.org.za