Blatant kidnapping attempt at Florida eatery – expert weighs in
Forensic Psychologist Professor Gerhard Labuschagne joined Breakfast with Martin Bester to discuss the prevalence of kidnapping in South Africa.
Police have confirmed the authenticity of a video on social media showing an attempted kidnapping in a Florida restaurant, west of Johannesburg.
In the video, two women are seen sitting at a table with a young girl when a man grabs the girl by her neck.
Bystanders immediately assist.
According to JacaNews, Gauteng police spokesperson Kay Makhubele has confirmed that the incident took place at a local pizza restaurant the evening of 10 September.
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Professor Gerhard Labuschagne about why someone would kidnap someone, specifically a child.
READ: Experts share five kidnapping prevention tips for parents
"Statistics regarding kidnappings in South Africa aren't a true reflection of what is actually happening," Prof Labuschange says.
“It doesn’t seem like a well thought-out plan. Just before the incident takes place, something grabs the attention of the two women in the video. From the start, it seems like it wasn’t a very successful way of getting the child.
“It is something that we sometimes don’t want to hear about but it does happen. The definition of child trafficking is very broad.”
A kidnapping attempt in Northcliff. Be vigilant people! pic.twitter.com/4TGOLR1hjC
— Gavin Carter (@GavinCarter83) September 11, 2020
READ: Forensic Psychologist Dr Gérard Labuschagne shares his views on kidnappings
Prof Labuschange shared five tips with Breakfast with Martin Bester on how to prevent a kidnapping:
1. Always remember that it can happen to you - be prepared.
2. Parents must prepare children - share details with them (numbers, addresses and names).
3. Teach people to look out for signs - never be alone.
4. Remember details of the kidnappers - try and stay calm and focused.
5. When you are kidnapped - try and scratch or take something from the kidnapper for DNA.