Travel Advice for South Africa – The Crime Problem
Article by john mce
There is a high level of crime in South Africa, but the vast majority takes place in townships and isolated areas well clear of popular tourist destinations.
Over half a million Britons visit South Africa every year, and the majority of those visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident effecting British holiday makers involved losing and replacing passports, death (mainly from natural casues) and deadling with arrests and detentions for a variety of offences.
South Africa has a high level of crime, including rape and murder. However these hardly ever take place in areas of interest to holiday makers, and the South African authorities give a high priority to protecting tourists.
During 2007 and 2008, there were several incidents of foreigners being followed from OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg to their final destinations by car, and then robbed at gunpoint. Make sure you exercise particular caution in and around the airport, and extra vigilance when leaving the airport for your destination.
The risk posed to tourists travelling to the main tourist destinations is very low, but if you do find yourself being mugged or robbed, try to remain calm, don’t put up a struggle and hand over your possessions without question. Avoid eye contact and consult a reliable tour guide if you are visiting a township.
Given the high level of HIV/AIDS in Africa, seek immediate medical advice if you or one of your party are sexually assaulted or otherwise injured.
Thieves love to operate at international airports, so keep your baggae with you at all times. Passport theft is also common, and often opportunistic and non-violent. It’s a good idea to keep photocopies of your passport on your person in the event of yours becoming lost or stolen.
Keep cash, jewellery, cameras and mobile phones out of sight, and do not change large sums of money in public areas if possible. Give out no personal or financial account information details to unknown parties, as many fraud rings target tourists in South Africa.In May 2008 there was a series of violent attacks in a township within Gauteng Province. Although these attacks are now over, tourists should avoid tornships in Guatend Province.Johannesburg, like any other major international city, has specific risk areas. Avoid Berea and Hillbrow like the plague, as there is a high level of muggings around this areas and the Rotunda bus terminal in the Central Business District.
Be careful if travelling after dark, and ensure you always park in a well-lit and open area.
About the Author
John McE writes on behalf of the Africa Collection. Find Luxury African Holidays, Hotels, Accommodation, Tours & Safaris with Africa Collection.
