Task team to deal with Eastern Cape business kidnappings

* Editor's note: Please be warned the following story might disturb sensitive viewers.                       

ALICE - There's been a worrying spike in business kidnappings in recent years.

It's considered more lucrative and less risky than bank robberies or cash-in-transit heists.

READ: Kidnapped Pietermaritzburg teen found

But Eastern Cape police are cracking down on kidnappers.

A special team of detectives has been set up to deal with these criminals.

The crime is stoking tensions between local and foreign business owners.

READ: Businessman kidnapped in Bryanston

Fourth-quarter crime statistics for January to March this year show kidnappings have risen by 10 percent compared to the same period the previous year.

The Eastern Cape is among the hardest-hit regions, but police are adamant that they are closing the net on these criminal syndicates.

* eNCA's Ronald Masinda reports.