Crime is a major concern for people travelling to South Africa, and unfortunately it is not without merit. South Africa’s crime incidents are unfortunately unique because of 2 main reasons:
- There is a high level of violence associated with contact/robbery crimes, and criminals do not hesitate to carry and use lethal weapons, even for random, opportunistic criminal activities.
- Crime victims are from all racial groups, socio-economic backgrounds and metropolitan areas. What this means is you could be a target for criminal activity for any reason, anytime, anywhere.
The official 2015/2016 report released by the South African Police Service showed a general decrease in reported crimes, but a definite increase in “Contact crimes” and “Aggravated robbery”. Contact crimes include murder, attempted murder, sexual offences (including rape) and common assault. Aggravated robbery includes commercial crime, shop-lifting, hijackings, robbery at residences (or hotels), cash-in-transit heists and bank robberies.
Below are the top potential threats you could face as a traveller in South Africa, but having a qualified, local executive protection professional with you during your trip can minimize or completely eradicate many of these risks.
Residential Risks
Home invasions are common in South Africa, and can occur in broad daylight, during the evening or in the early hours of the morning. Criminals prefer to attack when the occupants are at home, or arriving/leaving, and are often forced inside whilst the premises is robbed. Having an executive protection professional plan for different scenarios can help you avoid these situations, as well as take control and effectively manage an incident if it occurs.
Travelling / Transport Risks
Hijacking and car-theft is a major crime in South Africa, and can occur at any time. Targets are often chosen on appearance, and can be opportunistic or carefully planned and carried out. Criminals will almost always have lethal weapons in these situations, and the best way to deal with a hijacking if you can’t get away is to comply. Non-compliance often ends up with the victim killed or seriously injured. An executive protection professional will know how to behave, plan your route around traffic congestion times as well as have necessary local knowledge of the areas you are travelling through. This will help you avoid and minimise this risk.
Smash and grab robberies are also common, and you are advised to keep your doors locked and windows closed when stopped at a traffic light or intersection, do not leave valuables visible in the vehicle.
Civil Unrest Risks
South Africa often has political, labour and economically motivated strikes and protests, which often turn violent. The best way to not get caught up in one of these situations is to avoid the area completely. To do this you or your executive protector will need local knowledge of the areas you are travelling in, as well as an understanding of the current events happening in South Africa. The areas that are most affected are CBD’s or inner-city areas, and outlying township areas. If you are travelling to these areas, it is advised to take a local executive protection professional with you.
Robbery & Scam Risks
Opportunistic petty crimes are rife when travelling in South Africa, and include muggings and robbery (which can turn lethal), credit/debit card cloning and fraud. The best way to avoid these situations is to know where you are going beforehand, do not walk around with large amounts of cash or valuable items, and avoid potentially dangerous areas like alleyways, townships and the inner city unless accompanied by a close protector. Talking to and asking for help from strangers in South Africa can become risky when you are identified as a soft-target. Rely on official channels of help like the SAPS (South African Police Service), Metro Police, AA and emergency services.
With all of the potential risks you face travelling in South Africa, whether for business, holiday or event-related, it is still a beautiful country filled with opportunity and potential. BGA Protection is committed to helping international executives and VIP’s travel in South Africa safely and successfully. With over 20 years’ experience in effective, ethical executive protection, we can help you plan and execute your trip with the minimum amount of risk.
For a more detailed country risk assessment for South Africa or alternately anywhere in the rest of Africa feel free to contact BGA Protection.