Kidnapping in KwaZulu-Natal
SAPS recorded 3,242 kidnapping cases in KwaZulu-Natal in Apr 2025–Mar 2026, down 3% vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 (3,341 cases).
How SAPS counts this: kidnapping is a standalone category in SAPS crime statistics, and these counts are included in the total crime figures on precinct and suburb pages. SAPS folds every kidnapping subtype it records into this one category, including hostage-taking and kidnapping for ransom or extortion, and publishes no per-subtype breakdown.
Note: Raw reported counts, not adjusted for population. Precincts serving more residents will naturally record more cases.
Is kidnapping rising or falling in KwaZulu-Natal?
Which KwaZulu-Natal precincts record the most kidnappings?
KwaZulu-Natal SAPS precincts with the most recorded kidnapping cases in Apr 2025–Mar 2026. Click a precinct for its full crime breakdown.
| # | Precinct | District | Province | Apr 2025–Mar 2026 | vs Apr 2024–Mar 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Umlazi | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 200 | +1% |
| 2 | Inanda | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 138 | -3.5% |
| 3 | Verulam | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 112 | +10.9% |
| 4 | Durban Central | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 109 | -18.7% |
| 5 | Pinetown | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 92 | -9.8% |
| 6 | Bhekithemba | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 78 | +1.3% |
| 7 | Ntuzuma | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 71 | -4.1% |
| 8 | Plessislaer | Umgungundlovu | KwaZulu-Natal | 66 | -19.5% |
| 9 | Empangeni | King Cetshwayo | KwaZulu-Natal | 62 | -19.5% |
| 10 | Isipingo | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 56 | +5.7% |
| 11 | Ladysmith | Uthukela | KwaZulu-Natal | 56 | -15.2% |
| 12 | Phoenix | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 55 | -14.1% |
| 13 | Tongaat | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 54 | +10.2% |
| 14 | Kwamashu E | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 52 | -16.1% |
| 15 | Sydenham | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 52 | +62.5% |
| 16 | Margate | Ugu | KwaZulu-Natal | 51 | +10.9% |
| 17 | Richards Bay | King Cetshwayo | KwaZulu-Natal | 51 | 0% |
| 18 | Greenwood Park | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 50 | +66.7% |
| 19 | Kwamakhutha | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 50 | +100% |
| 20 | Mpumalanga (KZN) | eThekwini | KwaZulu-Natal | 50 | -2% |