While kidnapping for ransom has long been a significant issue in Mozambique, the phenomenon in South Africa is more recent, with a sharp increase in cases from 2016 onwards. This increase is not coincidental; compelling evidence indicates that gangs originating in Mozambican cities like Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, in fact, expanded their operations into South Africa from as early as 2013. Over a decade later, the connections between organised crime groups in Mozambique and kidnapping gangs in South Africa have strengthened, driven by underlying conditions on both sides of the border.

Porous borders

Cross-border crime has long been an issue between South Africa and Mozambique, with illicit activities, including human and drug smuggling, as well as poaching, fostering cooperation between organised crime groups in both countries. In addition, underfunded and ill-equipped border control authorities in South Africa and Mozambique, coupled with corruption among border staff, have facilitated the cross-border flow of personnel, weapons, vehicles and, in some cases, kidnapping victims. These dynamics have contributed to a nexus between groups based in Maputo, and those in Durban and Johannesburg, two of South Africa’s kidnapping hotspots.

With different aspects of the syndicates’ operations based on either side of the border, their transnational nature is becoming increasing embedded. For example, alleged kingpins of Mozambican groups have been arrested in Johannesburg on charges related to kidnappings in Mozambique, including Esmael Malude Ramos Nangy in 2023 (see Insert). Here, syndicate leaders are able to orchestrate kidnappings in Mozambique from Johannesburg beyond the watchful eye of Mozambican authorities while at the same time establishing local networks to scout new victims in a target-rich environment. Similarly, following a string of kidnappings targeting Portuguese butchery owners in Johannesburg in early 2024, hostage negotiators noticed that the kidnappers were increasingly demanding Portuguese speakers during ransom negotiations. This led police to believe the group responsible for the incidents was operating out of Mozambique.

Corruption and collusion

Kidnapping gangs thrive in environments where police lack the capabilities to pose a significant deterrent. In Mozambique and South Africa, ill-equipped and understaffed police services have severe limitations in infiltrating and disrupting syndicates. This issue is compounded by police collusion in kidnapping activities. On both sides of the border, numerous reports highlight police involvement in kidnapping cases. For instance, in April 2024, two police officers were charged with kidnapping and extorting victims for ZAR 200,000 (USD 11,000) in South Africa’s Free State Province, while two Mozambican police officers were arrested on similar charges relating to a kidnapping in Maputo in May 2024.

Initially more prevalent in Mozambique, police complicity in kidnapping for ransom has taken root in South Africa. This trend has in large part been driven by domestic factors such as corruption, low salaries, and poor working conditions among police officers, as well as coercion by criminal groups well versed in securing police support by mirroring their Mozambican counterparts.

Limited cross-border cooperation

Despite Nangy's arrest on South African soil for crimes committed in Mozambique, there remains a significant deficit in cross-border cooperation between law enforcement agencies essential to combat the transnational nature of these syndicates. Addressing this challenge demands a multifaceted approach, including robust collaboration in intelligence sharing, joint investigations, and cross-border operations. However, the numerous challenges confronting police services in both countries have hindered the establishment of effective cross-border cooperation strategies.

Outlook

With factors such as porous borders and poor policing persisting, the threat these transitional groups pose is unlikely to subside anytime soon. The sophisticated nature of the syndicates and their presence in both countries should make them a priority for law enforcement agencies. However, despite attempts on both sides to boost the capabilities of police services, eradicate corruption, and enhance cross-border cooperation between authorities, a significant degradation of kidnapping syndicates is yet to materialise. As a result, kidnapping for ransom incidents in both countries are likely to persist, as are the strong ties between Mozambican and South African groups.