The New South Africa

US Travel Report

The State Department identifies Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town as “Critical” for crime. Americans are not targeted for criminal activity due to their nationality; rather they are considered targets of opportunity because they appear wealthy, are at the wrong place at the wrong time, or inadvertently stray into dangerous areas. Crime in South Africa affects people from all walks of life, and is not limited by socio-economic status.

Crime and the extreme levels of unnecessary violence affect all South Africans including the local and greater business community. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently released their semi-annual national crime statistics for the April to September 2007 reporting period, which indicates a 29% increase of business robbery. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) recently reported that as many as fifty South Africans are murdered every day. SAPS statistics indicate South Africa averages 150 rapes a day (a number which is most likely under reported).  As an aggravating factor, the HIV/AIDS infection rate of the local population is estimated to be twenty-five to thirty percent. Though crime is not unique to this country, what sets South Africa apart from other nations is the level of violence associated with these crimes.

Additional crime concerns facing the populace and visitors include car-jacking (often violent), and street mugging (frequently with knives, but increasingly with handguns). Smash and grab robberies are a common occurrence and it is recommended that no valuables be left in plain sight of any vehicle while traveling in South Africa . Pick pocketing is also a common occurrence and travelers should safeguard their passport, wallet and other valuables at all times.

Motorists should be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and activity especially when approaching their destination. Recent statistics reveal that over 80 percent of car-jackings occur at the home. Another emerging trend entails the targeting of passengers after their arrival at O.R. Tambo International Airport . Victims are followed and robbed as they arrive at their final destination, whether it is a residence or hotel. The robbers relieve the victims of luggage, cash and other valuables, usually at gunpoint.

Travelers should also be aware of cash in-transit heists. Armored cars are targeted by several armed bandits who employ overwhelming firepower. These bandits fire their weapons if they feel threatened and their use of weapons is indiscriminate. Armored cars should be avoided, especially when they are making deposits or picking-up cash receipts.

Given the high rate of burglaries and violent crime, a primary concern for most Americans is residential security. Police response to calls for assistance is slow (and sometimes nonexistent). Reliance upon private security firms is the norm, as are security lighting, burglar bars, non-electric and electric fencing and alarm systems. Historically, burglars tend to prefer empty dwellings and will not attempt to enter a house when it is occupied. However, home invasion robberies are on the increase. SAPS latest statistics indicate there has been 7% increase in home robbery nationwide. These criminals can turn violent and cause traumatic injury or murder their victims unexpectedly and without provocation.

ATM scams and credit card fraud are prevalent throughout South Africa . Do not accept “assistance” from anyone, or agree to assist others with ATM transactions. Travelers should try to avoid using ATM machines after bank business hours. Police report an increase in ATM bombings where criminals plant explosives on ATM machines to extract cash boxes. There have been reports of ATM machines retaining the card, the cardholder leaving the scene since they cannot remove the card, and criminals later returning to retrieve the card from the machine. When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let them take the card out of your sight. Also beware of fraudulent schemes in which a caller from South Africa (who usually is not South African) attempts to win the confidence of an unsuspecting American, who is then persuaded either to provide privileged financial information or travel to South Africa to assist in a supposedly lucrative business venture. Anyone receiving such a solicitation is urged to visit the U.S. Secret Service website at http://www.secretservice.gov/alert4l9.shtml before providing personal financial information or making any financial commitments.

South Africa ’s highway system and toll roads are generally in good condition. However, once off the main highways, the quality of secondary roads becomes very poor. Roadway policing is virtually non-existent outside of the major cities and towns. Toll roads do have call boxes for emergencies as in the US ; however, many of them are inoperable due to poor maintenance. Street lighting is also limited outside of cities and towns. Traffic fatalities are commonplace. Many of these incidents involve pedestrians that are struck by motorists. Traffic accidents are attributed to unsafe driving, excessive speeding, unlicensed drivers and alcohol and drugs. Motorists should always travel with a cell phone and be aware of their general, geographic location. Motorists should have numbers for the South African Automobile Association which recognizes US AAA membership or other roadside assistance service phone numbers. In some cases, roadside assistance companies provide armed response units that will wait with you until your vehicle is repaired or towed to a service center.

 

Political Violence

 

 

South Africa has a relatively stable, democratic Government under the leadership of the African National Congress (ANC). The threat of political violence is relatively low. Regional terrorism is virtually non-existent and there have been no acts of terrorism against American Citizens or American business interests in the recent past. Political violence is not considered to be a serious threat in South Africa . There have been sporadic peaceful demonstrations against U.S. policies in the Middle East .

 

Post-Specific Concerns

 

South Africa possesses a well-developed infrastructure that insulates it from widespread power outages or similar industrial concerns. However, rolling brown outs and power load shedding are becoming more commonplace, especially during periods of peak demand. Likewise, dramatic weather problems are rare in the country. Thunderstorms occur frequently during the rainy season and can disrupt power to security systems, infrastructure such as traffic lights, and other electronic equipment. Adequate surge protectors should be used to protect office and other electrical equipment.

 

Public transportation should be avoided, as accidents involving multiple fatalities on urban and rural roadways are common. Avoid use of unlicensed mini-bus “taxis”. They are dangerous due to a lack of inspection and unlicensed drivers. Taxi recommendations should be obtained from your hotel.

Historically there has been no kidnapping or known threat of kidnapping of American citizens in South Africa . American business personnel have not been the target of kidnapping whether for economic or political gain.

 

Police Response

 

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has lost many of its experienced officers and personnel due to attrition and reorganization of its command and administrative structures. Manpower and equipment shortages constrict them. Shortages (especially vehicles) preclude their ability to respond in order to deter crime or answer calls for help in a timely manner. While corruption exists within the SAPS, complaints of street level shakedowns for money or similar forms of harassment are very rare among the American community. The national police emergency number is: 10-111.

 
Medical Emergencies

 

The Private Health Care sector ranks amongst the best in the world and is the country to where American Government employees working in Africa are evacuated to for medical treatment. The Embassies and Consulates in the area where individuals will be traveling can provide information regarding medical services specific to that location. Unitas Trauma Hospital in Pretoria is one of the best medical care facilities in South Africa and is designated as a regional evacuation point for trauma patients. The nationwide emergency number to call for an ambulance is: 10-177. The police emergency number (10-111) may also be used. Due to South Africa ’s high HIV infection rate, the embassy medical unit advises all personnel and visitors to seek immediate medical assistance in the event of a sexual assault or blood-borne injury.

 

How To Avoid Becoming A Victim

Remain alert and aware of your surroundings at all times. Be cautious of people who appear to be paying undue attention to you or who seem to be overly friendly or helpful for no apparent reason. Road signs and road markers can be confusing; ensure you confirm your route before you travel to any destination in South Africa . Do not carry more cash and valuables than is necessary for the need at hand. Statistically, people have not been harmed during street thefts when they did not offer resistance. However, consider resistance or flight if you feel you are in jeopardy or serious personal injury. Exercise caution at cash machines, both in terms of strong-arm robbery and stealthy ploys to obtain your ATM card and pin. Refuse unsolicited offers of assistance at ATMs. When traveling by car, keep all windows up and doors locked. Do not leave any valuables in public view, especially when the car is parked. Avoid the central business districts of major cities at night and on weekends.