Mondial Assistance

Search

How can we help?*

How can we help?

Personal security

Don’t let the football dream become less of a dream

South Africa is vibrant with football fever, goals, party atmosphere —and yes, unfortunately crime. Excitement and sometimes fear are simply part of what it means to travel to South Africa, but if you’re well prepared, your trip will be memorable for all the right reasons!

Fantastic landscapes in Kruger National Park or along the coastal region are a magnet for travellers. But don’t let the romance of the campfire while on safari make you forget where you are. South Africa is beautiful. And it also has its share of danger, and requires that travellers be alert and careful at all times.

Here are a few sobering facts. Per day South Africa has more than 40 carjackings (armed robbery of vehicle passengers and vehicle thefts) and approximately 100 murders and attempted murders. By taking the necessary precautions and behaving correctly, you have a very good chance of coming out safe and sound. Convicted offenders said they tended to shoot when they felt threatened by the victim. This feeling can be provoked by a passenger quickly releasing his seatbelt, giving the impression that her/she is reaching for a weapon.

It’s important to remain alert at all times, even when taking a taxi from the airport to the hotel. Organised bands seeking to force competing taxi companies from the market have been known to repeatedly attack taxi stands. Trying to save money by choosing a minibus is not a particularly viable option. Drivers often sit behind the wheel for 18 hours or longer, and the buses do not necessarily meet European standards.

Also be careful around international hotels, where perpetrators can sometimes loiter in search of inattentive foreign travellers.

Some tips on how to behave while visiting South Africa

  • Even before arrival, arrange for a safe pick up from the airport (for instance, through the hotel);
  • Carry an international emergency phone number with you (and memorise it);
  • Ask people familiar with the locality (such as hotel staff) about risky areas in the city;
  • Avoid trips at night since crime is highest after dark;
  • In most cases, getting around on foot is not advisable;
  • Avoid being out alone. It attracts more attention from perpetrators and you are more vulnerable;
  • Be especially alert and pay attention to people who approach or stare at you;
  • Dress discretely so that you don’t stand out in a crowd. Be sure to leave expensive looking watches and jewelry at home;
  • Carry a cell phone with you at all times;
  • Since robbery at cash machines is very common, you should only withdraw money during daylight—ideally from a cash machine in a hotel or other monitored locations;
  • In the event of a robbery, make it clear that you will not resist. Avoid rapid movements. Give the perpetrator what he or she demands. Be aware that perpetrators are frequently armed and dangerous.

Knowledge is your best protection

Prepare your trip to South Africa as you do all your trips – by being well-informed and conscious of the risks and dangers before you leave. Just knowing in advance about places with high crime rates helps you to avoid risky situations. The South African police has identified 35 locations in and around Johannesburg with frequent carjackings. They include: Braamfontein, four intersections along Witkoppen Road, and Jan Smuts Avenue/William Nicol Drive. The regions of Gauteng (which includes Johannesburg) and KwaZulu-Natal account for 75 percent of all carjackings reported in the country. Locate these areas on a map before you leave and be aware of where you are on the map at all times.

Acknowledgements

This personal security advice was prepared by Pascal Michel, Senior Consultant at Result Group GmbH.

Result Group is one of the leading international consulting firms for risk and crisis management. More than 60 experts advise governments, international organisations, and multinational companies (many of which are among the world’s TOP 500) in defense against criminal attack -24/7. More information at: www.result-group.com