South Africa 2009 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety Report

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Current specific crime threats in South Africa are primarily vehicle thefts, personal robberies and residential thefts. The Department of State rates Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town as "Critical" for crime.  American citizens who become victims of crime in South Africa are not specifically targeted due to citizenship, but are targeted because they present themselves as an easy target for criminal elements.  The prospect of quick, easy money is the motive for most of the burglaries, robberies, muggings, and carjackings committed in South Africa. Any person, regardless of ethnicity or socio-economic status, especially a person who displays any outward signs of affluence, is susceptible to become a victim of crime in South Africa.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently released its 2008, semi-annual national crime statistics.  These statistics indicate a 42 percent increase in business robberies over the last reporting period of 2007.  A very real concern for both South Africans and unsuspecting visitors alike is to be present during, or come upon a crime in progress.  Innocent bystanders become victims, as robbers see patrons as an added source of income.  Restaurants, jewelry shops, grocery stores and other business establishments are prime targets of South Africa's armed robbers.  Apart from raiding the business or store, take-over style robberies allow robbers to relieve customers of cash, cell phones and other valuables.  Any resistance can result in physical harm, or in the most extreme cases, murder.  Armed robbers have demonstrated their willingness to use lethal force without hesitation or provocation.  Criminals have no fear of South African law enforcement or the judicial system. 

The gratuitous violence associated with many robberies affects all South Africans, including the business community.  Though crime is not unique to this country, what sets South Africa apart from other nations is the level of violence associated with crime.  Globally, South Africa is ranked fourth for robbery, second for murder, and number one for rape per capita.  SAPS statistics indicate there are 51 murders per day in South Africa.  In addition, there are a staggering 100 rapes a day (a number which is most likely under-reported) which indicates a marked decrease since the last reporting period.  As an aggravating factor, the HIV/AIDS infection rate of the local population is estimated to be 18 to 22 percent.

Additional crime concerns facing the populace and visitors include home-invasion robbery, burglary, carjacking (often violent), and street mugging (frequently with knives, but increasingly with handguns). Travelers should always be aware of their surroundings and avoid traveling on foot at night.  Smash-and-grab robberies are a common occurrence at major intersections and highway off-ramps. No valuables should be left in plain sight in any vehicle.  Drivers must always be alert as to who is approaching their vehicle - whether it is at an intersection, shopping mall, grocery store parking lot or home.  Pick-pocketing is common and travelers should safeguard their passport, wallet and other valuables and know where these possessions are at all times.

Country-wide, SAPS statistics show there is an average of 39 carjacking incidents per day in South Africa.  Close to half of these incidents occur in the Gauteng Province, which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria.  In addition to carjacking incidents, an average of 219 vehicles are stolen every day.  Motorists should be on the lookout for suspicious vehicles and activity especially in the vicinity of their residence.  Eighty-five percent of all carjacking incidents in South Africa occur as the victim arrives at home and pulls into the driveway.  Usually the carjacker(s) will pull up behind the victim in order to block an escape path as the victim enters the driveway.  The carjacker will either deploy from the getaway vehicle or lie in wait in foliage or a dark area.  This gives the attacker the element of surprise and enables him quickly to take control of the situation.  In the worst case scenario, robbers force the victim into the house, rob the house of its valuables, and drive away with the loot.  Victims who resist or fail to comply with demands may be killed or seriously injured.

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 to provide armed response and guard services is the norm, as are security lighting, burglar bars, non-electric and electric fencing, and alarm systems.

Recently, criminals have employed new tactics in order to increase profitability during a residential robbery.  Instead of burglarizing houses when the occupants are away, a recent trend is to rob a house when people are at home.  This tactic has a two-fold result: 1) The robbers can force the victim to identify where valuables are located; and 2) criminals can gain access to a residence without tripping the alarm, thereby avoiding detection by police and private security, giving them free reign to focus on making their crime as profitable as possible.

Travelers should also be aware of cash-in-transit vehicle heists. Armored cars are targeted, usually by several armed bandits who employ overwhelming firepower.  These robbers routinely fire their weapons in order to achieve their objective.  Armored cars should be avoided, especially when they are making deposits or picking up cash receipts.

ATM scams and credit card fraud are prevalent throughout South Africa. Do not accept assistance from "helpful citizens."  Never provide anyone with your PIN and do not allow anyone physically to handle your ATM card.  Adept ATM scammers can clone your card with a quick swipe of a card reader which is held in their palm, or exchange your card with a bogus one in a matter of seconds. Travelers should try to avoid using ATM machines after bank business hours.  ATM scammers also employ card capture devices in order to steal your ATM card. This can be done with a false front ATM, x-ray film trap or an altered card reader.  When the cardholder/victim leaves the ATM minus the card, criminals later return and help themselves to your cash and the card. When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let him or her take the card out of your sight. 

In addition, travelers should avoid using ATMs in dark, remote areas.  Criminals frequently target ATMs using commercial explosives to gain access to cash.  ATM bombings normally occur in remote areas, in the early hours of the morning.  In 2008, it is reported there were 423 ATM bombings in South Africa.

There has been an increase of so-called "419 scams" originating in South Africa.  A 419 scam is an advance fee fraud scheme where the victim is requested to provide advance money in order to pay up-front costs associated with receiving a substantial monetary windfall.  This type of scam can also be initiated under the guise of a seemingly legitimate business proposition.  Bogus websites are set up on the internet in order to dupe the victim who is seeking a specific business opportunity.  Based on the information contained on the bogus website, the victim then contacts the scammer and agrees to travel to South Africa in order to negotiate a business deal.  The trap is sprung when the victim arrives in the country. Upon arrival, the unwitting victim can be kidnapped for ransom or coerced to drain funds until he has no more.  If you fall victim to this type of scam, SAPS will not pursue the case to prosecution unless you are willing to file a formal complaint and testify in open South Africa court.  For more information on these types of scams, please go to the SAPS website at: http://www.saps.gov.za and search 419 scams.

If you have received such a solicitation, please visit the Federal Bureau of Investigation's website before providing any personal/financial details or making a financial commitment at: http://www.fbi.gov/majcases/fraud/fraudschemes.htm.

Safety: Road Conditions and Road Hazards

South Africa's highway system and toll roads are generally in good condition.   Secondary roads are poorly maintained and frequently marked by potholes.  Roadway policing mainly consists of speed traps and checkpoints where officers check for mechanical malfunctions and operator compliance with license restrictions.  If you are traveling in South Africa and are stopped at one of these checkpoints, you may be required to provide a valid driver's license as well as a U.S. passport with a current visa (if necessary) or visitor's permit. If you are stopped by the police and do not possess valid identification or a current visa, you can be subject to arrest, detention and deportation.

Toll roads have call boxes for emergencies as in the U.S., but many of them are inoperable due to poor maintenance.  Highway lighting is also non-existent outside many cities and towns.  South Africa has many fatal traffic accidents throughout the country.  Many of these fatalities are due to pedestrians being struck by motorists.  Unsafe driving, vehicles in disrepair, excessive speeding, unlicensed drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs cause many of the traffic accidents in South Africa.

Motorists should always travel with a fully charged cell phone and be aware of their general geographic location at all times.  Highway signage in South Africa can be inconsistent.  This is especially true when traveling on secondary roads.  Motorists should travel with at the very least a South African road atlas and consider using a GPS navigation system if unfamiliar with the South African highway system.  Motorists should have numbers for the South African Automobile Association (AA), which recognizes U.S. AAA membership, or other roadside assistance service phone numbers.  AA and other roadside assistance companies can provide armed response units that will wait with you until your vehicle is repaired or towed to a service center.  South Africa's AA website can be found at: http://www.aa.co.za/.

Political Violence

Celebrating fourteen years of independence after the end of apartheid, the South African government (SAG) has taken major steps toward establishing a vibrant democracy and a market-based economy. Despite problems of income inequality and poverty, a severe HIV/AIDS pandemic, violent crime, and political tensions within the ruling African National Congress (ANC) political party, South Africa is establishing a successful democratic society, and already boasts a robust civil society, dynamic free press, and a rapidly evolving education sector.

Though there is no indication that operational Islamic radical cells are present in South Africa, there is evidence the country has been used for recruiting, transit, funding and safe haven purposes. The last significant terror campaign occurred in the Western Cape.  The Western Cape-based group PAGAD (People against Gangsters and Drugs) conducted an urban terror campaign of bombings, assassinations, and vigilante murders from 1997 to November 2001.  These activities targeted SAG facilities and personnel, moderate Muslims identified as threats to the radical Islamic movement, and western-themed businesses (Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe) seen by PAGAD as symbols of the anti-Islamic West.  The SAG's successful investigation and subsequent prosecution of PAGAD members has been largely credited with the suspension of further violence.  No significant anti-western attacks have occurred in South Africa since 2001.

Political violence has been limited to pre-election discrepancies between the ANC and Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area. Additionally, there have been occasional reports of intimidation and violence in the Eastern Cape between the ANC and Congress of the People (COPE) parties. Previous Islamic activism linked to PAGAD has been especially sensitive to U.S. government involvement in the Middle East. 

Political violence is not considered to be a serious threat in Johannesburg or Pretoria.  However, since Gauteng Province houses both the political and economic capitals of the country it is often the site for various demonstrations and work stoppages.  In addition to being a premier tourist destination, Cape Town is the legislative capital of South Africa, where the National Parliament and many government offices are located.  While protests are permitted and tolerated, the South African police are quick to deter demonstrations that do not have appropriate municipal approval. Over the last few years there has been a marked decrease in demonstrations throughout South Africa.

Post-specific Concerns

Although South Africa's infrastructure is relatively stable, it is not without challenges.  Consumer demand, insufficient power generation, and the theft of electrical wire and other needed equipment combine to interfere with the government's ability to produce an uninterrupted power supply.  Due to the current worldwide economic downturn, consumption of electricity by the South African mining industry has dropped significantly, thereby creating a more readily available energy supply.  This steady supply of energy will most likely diminish once mining operations rebound. During the rainy season, thunderstorms, lightning strikes or water damage may disrupt power to alarm systems, traffic lights, and other electronic equipment.  Adequate surge protectors should be used to protect office and other electrical equipment.

Road hazards are another danger affecting the entire population. Public transportation is to be avoided, as accidents involving multiple fatalities, both on urban and rural roadways, are common. Avoid use of unlicensed mini-bus "taxis."  They are frequently in disrepair and the drivers are often unlicensed.  Taxi recommendations should be obtained from your hotel and reputable companies telephoned.  They should never be hailed on the street. Pick-up and drop-off at either O.R. Tambo International Airport or Cape Town International Airport should be done with a reputable shuttle service.

Historically, Americans in South Africa have not been specifically targeted for kidnap in South Africa.  During this reporting period, however, a few American citizens seeking business opportunities in South Africa were abducted by criminals misrepresenting themselves as legitimate businessmen.  Scam artists who purported to be engaged in legitimate business enterprises lured unsuspecting entrepreneurs with promises of lucrative business deals.  Once the victim arrived in South Africa and met his "business contact," he was abducted and ransomed for safe return. These abductions are motivated purely by greed and do not specifically target American citizens.  American citizens in South Africa have not been the target of kidnap for political gain.

South Africa is both an importer and an exporter of drugs.  South Africa is the origin, transit point, and/or destination of many drug trafficking routes.  The United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported that South Africa was the world's third-leading country in terms of cannabis seizures during 2006. Cocaine originating from Sao Paulo, Brazil, is also regularly seized at the O.R. Tambo International Airport. 

While DEA has knowledge of narcotics trafficking financing terrorist activities, Pretoria has no corroborated intelligence indicating widespread narco-terrorism in South Africa.

Police Response

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 preclude their ability to respond in order to deter crime or answer calls for help in a timely manner.  Community policing such as that found in the United States or Western Europe has taken hold slowly, and SAPS efforts to respond to calls of a serious nature have improved.  Under serious crime, their next priority is to attempt to respond to calls of prowlers and other potential crimes in the developmental stage.  Farther down on their list of priorities is response to property crime.

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.  On occasion, motorists have been informed they can pay a fine directly to the officer after being caught in a speed trap or at a road-worthy checkpoint.  If this occurs, the best course of action is to advise the officer to provide a citation and the fine will be paid at a police station.

The national police emergency number is: 10-111.

Medical Emergencies

The private health care sector in South Africa ranks among the best in the world. American government employees working elsewhere in Africa are often evacuated to South Africa 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.

Unitas Trauma Hospital: 012-677-8000

SOS International - 011-451-1100

Netcare - 011-254-1127

MRI - 011-242-0112

Africa Assist - 083-300-3927

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.

Tips on 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 of 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.  It is during these hours that the incidence of muggings is highest.

For Further Information

American Embassy, Pretoria 12-431-4000

RSO Donald Schenck - 012-431-4099

MSG Post 1 - 012-431-4169/4620 (After Hours)

RMO 012-431-4015

Email: DS_RSO_Pretoria@state.gov

Consulates:

Cape Town - 021-702-7300, RSO Thomas Murray

Durban - 031-305-7600, RSO Edward Allen

Johannesburg - 011-644-8000, RSO Jeffery Dee

Consular information sheet for South Africa:  http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html.

Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC)

U.S. Consulate Johannesburg has an active OSAC Country Council that works in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa. The point of contact is the American Chamber of Commerce in South Africa - 011-788-0265 or amcham@amcham.co.za.