The Kempton Park police station has seen a significant increase in kidnappings, with 76 cases reported between April and June 2026. This represents a 58.3% increase from the same period last year, when 48 kidnapping cases were reported. According to AfriForum's Kempton Park branch, this sharp increase requires urgent action and answers on how available safety resources are being utilized.
AfriForum's Kempton Park branch says the increase in kidnappings is a wake-up call for all those responsible for community safety. "An increase of more than 50% in kidnappings within one year should be a wake-up call for everyone responsible for community safety," says Yvonne Gerber, AfriForum's district coordinator for the East Rand. "Residents cannot be expected to simply accept increasing crime as the new normal."
The Ekurhuleni metro's capital budget for community safety has increased from R70.5 million in the 2024-2025 financial year to R91.6 million in 2025-2026. For 2026-2027, R87.2 million has been budgeted for community safety. However, AfriForum questions whether the funds allocated for community safety are being effectively used for crime prevention and visible policing on the ground.
AfriForum's Kempton Park branch has started compiling a local action plan to strengthen its existing safety operations, expand cooperation with other safety structures, and increase visibility in the community. The high number of kidnappings, as well as the recent discovery of the bodies of 11 women in the larger Ekurhuleni area, was discussed during a security meeting attended by 32 AfriForum neighborhood watch patrol members.
The Kempton Park branch of AfriForum participated in the provincial Operation Shanela in Kempton Park on September 19. Various law enforcement and safety structures were involved in the operation. "By being present on the ground and working together with other safety structures, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by our communities," says Ernest Hoddinot, neighborhood watch leader of AfriForum's Kempton Park branch.
AfriForum is calling on the police to work more closely with established community safety organizations. "Community organizations cannot replace the police, and policing remains the responsibility of the government," says Gerber. "However, communities are willing to be part of the solution." AfriForum is ready to work with the police and other legitimate safety structures to increase visibility, share information, and help create safer communities.
AfriForum's Kempton Park branch plans to intensify its own patrol operations and will participate in AfriForum's national mass patrol on October 9 and 10. The aim is to increase visibility, identify safety issues on the ground, and strengthen community involvement in crime prevention.
Key points
- The Kempton Park police station has seen a 58.3% increase in kidnappings in the past year, with 76 cases reported between April and June 2026.
