Spike in Abductions Sparks Fear in Buffalo City

Buffalo City is facing a sharp increase in kidnapping cases that has left many residents living in fear, particularly among foreign nationals who run small businesses in the area. Since the beginning of the year, authorities have recorded over 60 incidents, a number that has drawn serious concern from civil society groups and local leaders.

The victims in many of these cases are immigrant entrepreneurs who have become targets of what appears to be a growing and well-organised criminal network. Several reports suggest that the abductions are being carried out with precision, often during business hours, with victims forced into vehicles and later used for ransom demands.

Some families have received calls demanding large sums of money in exchange for the safe release of their loved ones.

There is growing unease in communities that suspect some members of the police service may be working with these criminal groups. Complaints have surfaced about delayed response times and a lack of visible progress in investigations, fueling fears that corruption within the system could be helping these crimes continue unchecked.

One local shop owner, who narrowly avoided being kidnapped last month, said he believes the people who tried to take him knew personal details about his life.

“They called me by my name, and they knew where I lived. I think someone with access to that kind of information helped them,” he said.

Business forums and community organisations have called for national government intervention, urging the police leadership to investigate the possible role of insiders in facilitating these crimes. Leaders have stressed that communities are losing faith in law enforcement, especially when there appears to be no accountability.

“We cannot accept a situation where people are afraid to go to work or open their shops. If any officers are involved in these crimes, they must be brought to justice,” said one local councillor who has been speaking out about the issue.

The provincial government has acknowledged the rise in kidnappings and confirmed that it is working with national authorities to address the problem.

A special unit has reportedly been assigned to monitor the trend, but progress has been slow, and the public remains on edge.Advocacy organisations have also drawn attention to the vulnerability of migrant communities in the metro.

Many operate businesses in areas with limited security and are often reluctant to speak publicly out of fear of retaliation.

One human rights group said the current situation is exposing serious gaps in how the state protects noncitizens, despite their role in the local economy.The police have asked anyone with information to come forward and have promised to investigate all leads.

However, with no major arrests announced, community trust continues to erode.As the list of victims grows, many residents say they feel abandoned and unprotected.

Unless immediate steps are taken to restore confidence and ensure accountability, the growing wave of abductions threatens to destabilise not only Buffalo City’s sense of safety but also its local economy.