Available statistics indicate that, contrary to popular perception, levels of reported kidnapping in South Africa have decreased over the last decade. According to police statistics, 3,004 kidnappings were reported during the 2003 fiscal year, compared to the 4,101 kidnappings recorded in the 1994 fiscal year. Kidnapping rates have declined from 10.6 per 100,000 of the population in the 1994/95 financial year, to 6.5 in fiscal year 2003. The police statistics do not show, however, how many of those kidnappings were for ransom; it is likely that they composed only a small percentage of all kidnapping cases. According to the Hiscox group figures, these statistics still put South Africa among the 10 countries with the highest kidnapping rates in the world, but it is still a relatively rare occurrence compared with violent and other serious crimes; however, it is possible that this crime will increase as more wealthy families and businesses invest in private insurance that covers kidnapping for ransom. Given this possibility, police agencies should train one or two officers in how to respond to and investigate such cases. 1 table, 2 figures, and 32 notes