Chinese nationals are being targeted by kidnappers in African countries as more investors are drawn to the continent in areas ranging from infrastructure development to minerals extraction.
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Cases of kidnapping for ransom are being seen across Africa. China’s embassy in South Africa issued a warning on Sunday about a rise in kidnappings of Chinese women. In Somalia and Ghana, piracy cases targeting Chinese fishing vessels have involved ransom demands. And the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria have also seen armed robbery and abduction cases involving Chinese in recent months.
Analysts say Chinese traders are being targeted because of a perception that they operate their businesses outside the formal banking system and that they might be carrying around large sums of cash.
In its warning, the Chinese embassy in South Africa said there had been multiple incidents involving Chinese women reported across the country recently, particularly in Gauteng and the Eastern Cape provinces.
“These cases seriously threaten the personal and property safety of Chinese nationals,” the embassy said, urging women to avoid going out alone. “If you are unable to travel with others, please inform your relatives and friends of your whereabouts.”
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How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
It comes amid a rise in kidnappings in South Africa this year, as well as a fatal home invasion and robbery targeting Chinese nationals on May 31.