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20100102

UK gov’t lies in crime-warnings to WC2010 fans


SAisdangerousboycotWC2010 South Africa. The United Kingdom is issuing a crime-list to FIFA WC2010 football fans which include warnings on "prudently driving around stones in the middle of the road put there by gun-toting hijackers’. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=vn20100102083047209C605351

Downright lie:

Homicide stats worldwide map UNodc orgHowever the UK Foreign Office also lies in this advice to football fans -- claiming that “most cases of crime occur in the (black) townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations;’ and that ‘the South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists’ and “the risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low’...’  

UN worldwide crime map: South Africa has the highest homicide/ murder rates in the world, with that country’s  two  seperate statistics together representing 89 violent deaths a day. However contrary to the international norm, South Africa maintains seperate statistics for murders and homicides – and usually journalists only report the murder-statistics while ignoring the equally horrendous homicide statistics: for the detailed SA crime statistics click here

Tourists are targetted mainly in ‘white’ rural areas – and because they are obvious travellers:

The UK Home Office issues this inaccurate advice despite knowing the facts --  namely that most SA tourist destinations are in rural areas often targetted the most by armed criminals. And tourists are also targetted specifically because they are obvious travellers: for instance in September 2008  a group of British tourists was terrorised and two UK visitors were also raped during an attack by a six-man armed gang at the rural Hippo Lodge in Honeydew - by gangs which had followed them from the airport.

And it’s also increasingly reported that white crime-victims are murdered in black residential areas. Also in this case

While of course it’s very logical that ‘most crime’ would occur in black areas because the majority of South African residents are blacks, the ‘white’ and “Asian’ residential areas of South Africa are at the same time, also being targetted by organised crime-gangs way well out of proportion to these minority groups’  small demographic representation in the overall SA population. These facts are however often hidden inside other crime-stories as the following example will illustrate:

Australian family in hostage-drama gunfight; Pennington, S.Africa

Mercury story which hides the hostage-taking incident of the West-Australian Stone family Dec312009 (2) Dec 31, 2009 10:10pm – ABC.net.au reported --  in a story which was hidden amongst other crime-reports by the local KZN Mercury newspaper -- A West Australian man told ABC TV news in Australia how his family survived a frightening attack by armed men  (in the upmarket tourist resort of Pennington) in KwaZulu-Natal. West-Australian school principal Peter Stone, his wife and their three children were staying with family in a home in the eastern province of KZN when three gunmen burst in and took four (14 ?) people hostage. Mr Stone told the ABC news network that the hostages were held captive with guns against their heads and knives against their throats. He says the (14)  hostages were saved by neighbours, who shot dead one of the gunmen and wounded the two others during a shootout. "They came through with their firearms and burst into the house and then all hell broke loose," Mr Stone said."It was like the OK Corral all over again." URL link to Australian story. http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/12/31/2783693.htm?section=justin http://www.themercury.co.za/?fSectio...4847309C896372

Canadian couple survives attack in S.Africa

Fernkloof rescue Hermanus Injured Canadian hiker after attack Dec 2009 Pic Andrew Brooks 24 Dec 2009 In the fourth attack in two months at the state-owned Fernkloofnature reserve in Hermanus, the gruesome way in which an elderly Canadian couple (of South African descent) had been attacked, brutally assaulted, tied up and left behind badly injured in the remote reserve, hit the news headlines in Canada. The Stern couple, bleeding badly and very weak, were only discovered by pure luck when a group of hikers found them two hours later and they fortunately could be immediately airlifted from the mountain by the pure coincidence of a rescue helicopter being on the scene already: on site to remove a dead body from the mountain… And only  a week later, a fifth group of foreign hikers was also attacked. Canadian news reports: http://www.cbc.ca/video/news/player.html?clipid=1367435107 

This picture of Canadian-SA crime victim Mr Stern while he was being transferred from the rescue helicopter to an ambulance, was taken by local aviation photographer Andrew Brooks and can be ordered by commercial news sources from http://www.AvCollect.com

A week later, three foreign volunteers lodging at nearby Camphill School were also held up at knifepoint and thrown with rocks and beaten, just like the Stern couple had been.http://censorbugbear-reports.blogspot.com/2009/12/hermanus-tourists-to-get-guards-pepper.html http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/toronto-banker-and-wife-stabbed-in-south-african-nature-reserve/article1410653/

Dutch, German tourists shot at, killed, robbed

11 Dec 2009 -- Summary: 4 Elderly Dutch tourists attacked near Marloth Park; German tourists attacked inside their 4-star hotel room in Stellenbosch, tourists attacked near Hermanus; a German resident was murdered in Roosevelt Park, Johannesburg. http://censorbugbear-reports.blogspot.com/2009/12/german-woman-murdered-four-german.html

64-year-old German murder victim’s friend, car dealer Dieter Fürrutter, murdered at Diepsloot squatter camp…

2009-12-10 An unnamed 64-year-old German immigrant was murdered in her Roosevelt Park home near Johannesburg on December 9 2009, reports Beeld newspaper journalist Andre Damonds. Her friend, well-known car dealer Dieter Fürrutter (65), who owned Dieter Car Sales, was murdered in January this year when he went to help his friend Wolfram Ebel, whose car had broken down on the N14 near the Diepsloot squatter camp. Neighbours suspected a problem when they didn’t spot the old lady in her garden as usual – and phoned the police.Police inspector Bokkie Keulder said it appears as if she was attacked in her bathroom and bashed over the head. They found her beaten to death there. Her name is being withheld pending notification of next-of-kin in Germany. http://www.beeld.com/Content/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/1928/a77e94658c4143c0a563f06a3439763b/10-12-2009-09-46/Vrou_(64)_in_haar_huis_aangeval,_vermoor_

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Two German tourists attacked at rural Laibach Vineyards lodge; German, Romanian tourists robbed at Fernkloof reserve, Hermanus

Laibach Vineyards Lodge Stellenbosch German couple attacked in room most loot found thrown away outside later
2009-11-26 STELLENBOSCH. Malani Venter of Die Burger newspaper in Cape Town writes: Two German tourists were robbed on November 25 2009 at the four-star Laibach Vineyards Lodge in Stellenbosch by three knifemen wearing balaclavas who went into their hotel-room while they were asleep.
The luxury lodge boasts with the best security measures, yet Michael Wienands (49) and wife Michaela (45), were still attacked inside their own room. Police captain René Matthee confirmed the attack. The couple was ‘plucked about a bit but not injured’ while the men looted their belongings: they lost two laptop computers, two wallets, their passports and various bits of bling such as a watch, a ring. Mysteriously, the police found ‘of the robbed items in a nearby vineyard later’.

It’s a mystery – as it’s also the first time that the lodge was  attacked although neighbouring farms had been, said manager Michael Malherbe: ”Our neighbours were robbed two weeks ago and we suspect it’s the same gang.“  Indeed, earlier, on 9 November 2009, a 37-year-old white woman was also attacked on her farm De Goede Sukses next to the R44 where the lodge is also located, said investigating officer insp. Johan Nel of the Stellenbosch SAPS . And another white woman and her daughter were also attacked on their agricultural estate along the Simondium Road in Paarl – they weren’t injured but again, a laptop computer was looted. And again the attackers wore balaclavas and were armed with knives. Also, at the State-run Fernkloof nature reserve in Hermanus, a German couple and a group of tourists from Romania were robbed and assaulted, police confirmed. http://www.dieburger.co.za http://www.laibachwines.com/

Elderly Dutch tourists shot at, robbed, White River
“We suspect they followed us from the fuel station because we were tourists…’
  • Marloth Park, 2009-12-0Buks Viljoen of Beeld newspaper reported that four elderly Dutch tourists were shot at enroute to their Marloth Park holiday cottage near the Kruger Wildlife Reserve and robbed of about R100,000’s worth of electronic equipment and personal documents. Their rental car was hijacked and they were left stranded at the roadway in the pitch-dark. The attack happened at 20:30.
“It was a shocking incident but fortunately we are still alive,” said one victim, Robert Haagenaars, 66. The group arrived on 23 November in South Africa for a countrywide tour. Haagenaars, his wife Will Haagenaars-Segers (66), her sister Anna Segers (61) and her husband Aloysiun Verhoeven (62) were attacked at  20:30 in Plaston near the Kruger Park international airport.  Haagenaars said they had left the wildlife reserve through the Kruger gate and were enroute to the Marloth Park holiday-cottage resort via White River. They tanked up their rental Honda vehicle a few kilometres outside White River at a petrol station in Plaston. “We suspect we were followed by the attackers because they knew we were tourists,’ said Haagenaars. The armed gang started driving alongside the Dutch tourists in a white VW Golf and gestured for them too move over and stop. When Verhoeven – who was driving – stepped on the gas pedal, the gangsters fired shots at them. One of the bullets cracked open the front windshield, just missing Verhoeven’s hand and hitting the control panel, Police later found three bullet-holes in the abandoned car, Beeld writes. Verhoeven stopped and two armed black men jumped out and forced the four tourists from their Nissan vehicle. “They shouted that they were looking for money,’ said Haagenaars. After looting the Dutch of their valuables, the two armed men drove away with the Nissan and the VW Golf at high speed, back in the direction of the petrol station – leaving the tourists stranded next to the road.They straggled to a farm house about 100m from the scene and sought help – and the police found the rental Nissan about 2km from the crime scene, abandoned next to the road. The car had three bullet holes and police picked up a spent cartridge from a 9mm handgun at the scene. The tourists lost all their belongings: cameras, cellphones, video cameras, handbags, wallets and personal documents. This was the third time the Haagenaars visited South Africa. They were going to leave for Cape Town on Thursday, but will now remain in the Lowveld while they wait for another rental car and their replacement passports from the Dutch embassy.They plan to return to the Netherlands on 18 December. White River detective-captain Erhard Ströh said no-one has been arrested. “Our investigation is hampered by the fact that there are no security cameras at the petrol station, ‘ said he.http://www.nuus24.com/Content/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/1479/2845aadc03204cc9833031874f1c955c/02-12-2009-09-31/Diewe_skiet_op_Nederlandse_toeriste__

Belgian tourists robbed in KwaZulu

29 Oct 2009 Belgian tourists' bags robbed outside Dundee restaurant, KZN. Crime Alert To South African Motorists 28 October 2009 - Three men were arrested and remanded in the Dundee Magistrate's Court for stealing luggage from Belgian tourists ...http://censorbugbear-reports.blogspot.com/2009/10/belgian-students-robbed-in-kwazulu.html

Pilot ‘s uniform, passport, visas looted at SA Open Golf Tournament

trophy_slide December 22 2009 --  A pilot can’t fly after his uniform, cap, passports and visas were stolen at the prestigious South African Open golf tournament at the weekend, which featured five of the world's top players, writes Lavern de Vries in the Daily News.  The pilot, who declined to be named, says he works for ‘a major South African airline,’  and attended the tournament when his car was broken into. "We paid a R10 parking fee and expected the security guards to have heard the alarm going off," he said.

Eyethu Events, the security provider for the event, disagreed, alleging that the theft was ‘the work of a syndicate’: its operations director Charl Barnard, said 47 security guards had been deployed on Saturday, in line with the tournament organiser's budget. On Sunday 900 cars had entered the area, he added."We realised something was amiss when two cars of the same make were broken into on Saturday and Sunday," he said. They boosted security staff to 51 and allowed all cars of that make to park in a designated area.Barnard said his company had been in contact with the SAPS , who were investigating. The pilot, meanwhile, would have to claim from his insurance “as signs placed at the tournament warned motorists that parking was done at their own risk”, Barnard said. This article was originally published on page 5 of Daily News on December 22, 2009 contact for Eyethu Events: Phil Prinsloo, Managing Director, 083 667 7377 http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=vn20091222124510264C761628

Robbers target international reporters

Sunday December 6, 2009 -- Foreign journalists have been told to be on guard against criminals after two international television crews were robbed by thieves in Cape Town. Members of a German news crew were held up at knifepoint off Long Street, while a BBC crew had equipment worth an estimated R120 000 stolen out of their vehicle while filming on Ou Kaapse Weg.The BBC crew has been in Cape Town for four weeks filming a documentary on the power of football to change people's lives - specifically disadvantaged youth. Producer Andrew Bell said they had been doing shots of the Cape Flats from Ou Kaapse Weg when the thieves struck, smashing a window in their vehicle and stealing a lens, microphones and other camera equipment.The German crew were accosted by a gang of well-dressed men carrying knives. The two German men were forced to hand over wallets, air tickets and cellphones.

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Frenchwoman found slain, as her baby cries

The French Embassy in South Africa still warns of the murder last year of French national Charlotte Coutrot (30) who was shot and killed during a robbery at her Parkhurst home on 11 December 2008. She had been shot in the head. Her four month-old baby was found crying next to her. http://www.thestar.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=&fArticleId=nw20081211174757329C241289

  • L’Oréal manager leaves SA after wife’s killing
    In this horrific murder, a 30-year-old French woman was found murdered in her Parkhurst, Johannesburg, home. The murder of the young mother, whose baby was left crying in the main bedroom, shocked the Parkhurst community. Charlotte Coutrot, 30, was found dead by her partner, Maxime du Pont, and a security guard he had called for assistance, when he arrived home from work. Coutrot had lived in South Africa for less that two years. She was found on December 8 in a bedroom of the Seventh Street home she shared with Du Pont, an employee of French cosmetics giant L'Oreal. Du Pont had tried to call her on her cellphone earlier in the day but got no response. When he arrived home at about 5.30pm he found the gate to their home open and could hear their baby crying. He called a security guard and the two entered the house. Coutrot had been shot in the head. A DVD player, a camera and several other electrical and kitchen appliances were missing. There was no sign of forced entry. The police said that surveillance camera footage would help to solve the murder. One police official said this week that the post-mortem results, as well as other forensic test results, were being awaited before an arrest was made. "We have our suspicions about who [the murderers] are, but the investigation is now at a sensitive stage and we want to be sure of all our facts before we arrest these people and take them to court," he said. Greg Margolis, the chairperson of the Parkhurst Residents' Association, said he was inundated with phone calls from concerned residents on the day of the murder. "The residents were very shocked. My phone did not stop ringing on the day that it happened. "The crime rate in our suburb is pretty stable and there is not much serious crime here. I cannot remember when last we had a murder. "This was a shocking incident," he said. Margolis and the local police are convinced that the murder was an isolated incident, perpetrated by someone the victim knew. "There is no indication of a spike in crime in Parkhurst," said Margolis.Deborah Schepers, who had attended an ante-natal course with Coutrot and Du Pont, said on her website that she was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear about the murder. "Our hearts go out to him and their baby daughter, who has suddenly been left without a mother," she said. The French embassy in South Africa assisted Coutrot's family, who accompanied her body back to France for burial late this week. Celeste Tema, the spokesperson for L'Oreal, extended the company's condolences to DuPont, his daughter and family, saying the young woman's murder was shocking. It is not known whether Du Pont, who returned to France this week to bury his partner, will come back to South Africa.Posted by ZeroTolerance at South African P.I.G. Labels: 2010 WORLD CUP SOCCER, CRIME, TOURISM

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20081204 Schoolgirl, 15, of Dubai, survives shooting at rural God's Window overlook, Graskop

GodsWindowOverlookTeenGirlShotinjuredDec42008_DubaiTourists_ Picture of God's Window by Komatiland Eco-Tourism

Dec 4 2008 Beeld journalist Buks Viljoen reports that an 15-year-old girl whose mom works in Dubai, while her two children attend boarding school in Pietermaritzburg, was shot and injured during an armed attack by three men. Her mom, Mandy Cocco, 43, was taking pictures at the famous God's Window overlook at rural Graskop, Mpumalanga.

Ms Cocco lives and works in Dubai and was in the country to fetch her son and daughter for a Dubai holiday. Ms Cocco - her maiden-name -- does not want her daughter identified by name for fear of reprisals. The mother and daughter had stopped at the world-famous overlook to take pictures enroute to Hoedspruit to fetch the girl's brother. Three black men walked past, one grabbed her handbag, she screamed and hit him with the camera, she said. Then one of the black men pulled a gun from a plastic bag and simply shot her daughter for no apparent reason whatsoever - they had already robbed the visitors. The teen was hit in the right shoulder. The three attackers climbed into Ms Cocco's rented Mercedes-Benz and chased off. The vehicle was found abandoned in Phalaborwa several hours later. The girl underwent surgery at Nelspruit Medi-Clinic to remove the bullet. Mc Cocco said her child was very traumatised. It's presumed the family still flew to Dubai for the holiday - the report does not say. Police capt. Malcolm Mokomene confirmed the attack and said no-one has been arrested. http://www.news24.com/Beeld/Suid-Afrika/0,,3-975_2437580,00.html

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Rural Rhuslancea lodge in Hennops River attacked

Oct 21 2008 The owner of a luxury Hennops River lodge, Riaan Malenze, 35 and its security guard Joseph Antionio, were seriously injured after armed attackers dug a tunnel beneath the electrified fence, invaded the lodge and tied up the owner, the guard and the owner's wife . The two unarmed men were shot -- and then also stabbed in the stomachs as they fell down. By Tuesday, both men still were reported in critical condition. Contact lodge: Tel: +27 (12) 659-0324 Cell: 083 266 0221.

The attack - described as a 'particularly nasty crime' by police - took place at the four-star luxury Rhuslancea Lodge in Hennops River Valley area, northern Gauteng during the early hours of a Saturday morning and forms part of a wave of violent crimes gripping the area. The gang struck just after 1am when they dug a hole under an electric perimeter fence and overpowered a security guard. After tying up the guard, several of the robbers stood watch over him while their accomplices made their way to the lodge's main house where they forced their way inside through a back door.

Sexually taunted, shot, then stabbed...

Once inside, the gunmen overpowered the owners Riaan Malenze, 35, and his wife, Tertia, and tied them up before ransacking the house and forcing open a safe, which is believed to have contained firearms, jewellery and cash. The black gunmen then taunted the white couple - threatening to sexually assault them both -- before they opened fire on the unarmed Mr Malenze, shooting him in the stomach. As the gunmen who shot Malenze fled, their accomplices, who were keeping watch over the guard, also stabbed him repeatedly before escaping. Malenze was rushed to Unitas Hospital by his wife, while the guard was taken to Kalafong Hospital. Erasmia police station commissioner Superintendent Faan Steynberg confirmed that the farm attackers had gained access to the property by digging a hole under the perimeter fence which is electrified. "They knew exactly what they were doing. Some went straight to the owner while the others overpowered the guard. This is a particularly nasty crime. It appears as though the owner and the guard were deliberately shot. "It looks as though they shot them for the fun of it," said Steynberg, adding that a task team was in the process of tracking down the gunmen.

LOTS MORE VIOLENT ROBBERIES IN AREA:

  • Sharon Bernhardt, who runs a community assistance programme in the Hennops River Valley, said crime in the area was increasing. "We have a lot of robberies, especially violent ones," she said.
  • Chris and Rachelle Lubbe: attacked, tortured with hot iron: left for Australia 2 weeks later.Chris and Rachelle Lubbe  were attacked and tortured with a hot iron after being tied up and assaulted. Rachelle was burnt on her left breast, shoulder and buttocks while Chris was burnt repeatedly on his back. The couple and their family left for Australia two weeks after the attack, said Bernhardt. Bernhardt, herself a victim of three robberies, said crime was happening more often in the rural  primarily ‘white’ area. "The attacks happen on such a regular basis that residents are becoming used to them," she said.
  • Sayer family attacked: Agreeing, Claire Sayer, owner of Fossils Family Kitchen and Pub, said people were attacked every month. "It is definitely getting worse, especially the violent attacks," she said, adding that her family had also fallen victim to armed robbers...

Captain Tessa Jansen said the gunmen at the lodge gained access to the house by forcing their way through a back door before they made their way to the couple's bedroom where they overpowered and tied them up. "The robbers ransacked the house and then shot the owner before they fled with their loot," she said.Kate Chvitanic, Unitas Hospital spokeswoman, confirmed Malenze was in a critical condition in the hospital. Family spokesman Johan Snyman, declined to comment. http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?art_id=vn20081020054740340C310376

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S.Africa travel warning from US government

US State Department Travel Warning – published in full below:

SAFETY AND SECURITY:   “Travelers [to South Africa] are encouraged to be vigilant and avoid any large gathering, particularly protests and demonstrations.  The possibility of violence, including threats against American interests, should not be discounted, particularly in times of heightened world tension.

for detailed SA crime statistics click here)

The US State Department warns: “South Africa has seen a number of attacks directed at foreigners – particularly refugees or immigrants from other African nations.  Many of the attacks were centered in Johannesburg and the province of Gauteng in low income neighborhoods and informal settlements, but incidents of mob violence have taken place throughout the country.  Many individuals have been killed in these incidents and many more, both targeted victims and bystanders, have been injured.  While there have been no reports of Americans or other non-African visitors being targeted, these incidents of mob violence have sprung up quickly and proven difficult for local authorities to control.  American residents and visitors are advised to listen to local media for reports of such incidents and to avoid areas (including but not limited to townships) where they may be likely to occur.

“For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.

“Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). “The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas.  For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s information on A Safe Trip Abroad.

American Tourist in Hijack Ordeal The Star Aug272009 CRIME: Although the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, often violent, occurs routinely.  Notwithstanding government anti-crime efforts, violent crimes such as armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, "smash and grab" attacks on vehicles, and other incidents are regularly reported by visitors and resident Americans.

Visitors and residents are advised of ongoing criminal activity involving organized crime gangs targeting individuals at shopping centers and other public places.  Once a victim has been identified, he/she is followed back to his/her residence and robbed, usually at gunpoint, although the use of force is generally reserved for those offering some form of resistance.  These gangs tend to target people appearing to be affluent, including those driving expensive cars, wearing eye-catching jewelry, flashing large amounts of cash, and/or making high-value purchases.  Criminals also gravitate towards “soft” targets – people who appear preoccupied and do not pay attention to their immediate surroundings.  Visitors who believe they are being followed should travel directly to a police station or other public location.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) have increasingly been targeted by criminals.  The use of commercial explosives to blow up ATMs is a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa.  In 2006, 54 such attacks were recorded.  In 2007, the number of ATM bombings jumped to 387.  While statistically affecting only a small percentage of machines, in 2008, the number of attacks rose to nearly 500.  ATM bombings have usually taken place in the early hours of the morning in remote or isolated areas although recent attacks have taken place at gas stations and shopping complexes.  Criminals also loiter near ATM machines and target persons withdrawing cash.  Based on these threats, the following security precautions are recommended:  Avoid using ATMs in dark, remote, or isolated areas.  ATMs located inside shopping malls, hotels, and banks are preferred since they are normally high-traffic areas, and monitored by security guards and cameras.  Avoid using an ATM with a cord or other foreign object attached to it.  Should you notice a suspicious device on an ATM, immediately leave the area; take cover, and notify the police.  Shrapnel and debris from an explosion can travel long distances and cause serious injury or death.  Before withdrawing money, scan the area for any suspicious persons or activity.  Should anyone approach you while you are withdrawing money, immediately cancel the transaction and leave the area.  Should you be confronted by an armed individual - immediately comply, avoid making sudden movements, and do not offer any form of resistance.  Any hesitation on your part could be perceived as a threat and may result in unnecessary violence.  Criminals do not discriminate.  Members of the international diplomatic community have recently been included as targets of crime.   

Motorists are urged to be extremely cautious when approaching intersections and to hide bags, cell phones, and other valuables from view.  Criminals are on the lookout for valuable items they can see through car windows (see mention of “smash and grab” under traffic safety).  Doors should be kept locked and windows rolled up at all times.

Crimes against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by violent acts, including murder, when victims resist or are slow to respond to attackers’ demands.  South Africa also has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world.  Foreigners are not specifically targeted, but several have been the victims of rape.  Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy against HIV/AIDS.  Questions about how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Criminal activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft is particularly high in areas surrounding certain hotels and public transportation centers, especially in major cities.  Theft of passports and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports, bus terminals, and train stations.  A number of Americans have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains, especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria.  Several American travelers also reported theft of personal belongings after strangers whom they invited into their hotel drugged them.  In at least one instance, an American died after being drugged and robbed in this manner.

There is a serious baggage pilferage problem at (Johannesburg) and Cape Town International airports, particularly affecting travelers changing airlines and those flying on smaller airlines—passengers flying on major international carriers may not be affected to the same degree.  Travelers are encouraged to secure their luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks, use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing electronics, jewelry, cameras or other valuables in checked luggage.  Make an inventory of items in checked baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur.

In the Western Cape, police resources have been strained by continuing gang conflicts and vigilante violence in the low income areas and informal settlements in Cape Town.  The Cape Flats area, surrounding townships, and squatter camps adjacent to the city center, should be avoided by people unfamiliar with the area.  Additionally, travelers should be aware that muggings have become common along many popular routes on Table Mountain, a prime tourist destination in Cape Town.  Visitors to Table Mountain should be vigilant, hike in groups, and not carry valuables.  

Armed robbery of cash-in-transit vehicles and personnel occurs throughout South Africa and peaks during December and January due to the increase in cash flow from commercial stores to banks.  These attacks have also included incidents at major malls and in large grocery stores.  Individuals should raise their level of situational awareness while in the vicinity of cash-in-transit vehicles and personnel and should avoid areas where they are located to the maximum extent possible.

Credit card fraud, counterfeit U.S. currency, and various check-cashing scams are frequently reported.  Do not accept "assistance" from anyone, or agree to assist others with ATM transactions.  Travelers should try to avoid using ATMs after bank business hours or in remote locations.  When giving your credit card to a store or restaurant employee for processing, do not let the card out of your sight. 

“Nigerian 419-scam” -- Visitors should also beware of telephone or email schemes, which attempt to win the confidence of an unsuspecting American who is persuaded either to provide privileged financial information or travel to South Africa to assist in a supposedly lucrative business venture.  In 2008, there were several cases of Americans losing thousands of dollars and putting themselves in danger by responding to email financial scams (also known as “419 scams”).  Some have traveled to South Africa only to lose more money and sometimes be physically attacked.  See the State Department’s financial scam web page.  If you have lost money in a financial scam, please file a report with your local police and with the Internet Crime Complaint Center.  Victims can also report Internet fraud to the FTC online or by phone, toll-free, at 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).

  • To check on a business’s legitimacy while in the U.S., contact the International Trade Administration, Room 3317, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230, telephone: 1-800-USA-TRADE or 202-482-5149, fax: 202-482-5198.  If you are abroad, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.  The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred.  Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in South Africa is 10111. See our information on Victims of Crime.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law.  Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses.  Persons violating South Africa’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned.  Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in South Africa are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.  Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.  Please see our information on Criminal Penalties

ONE-QUARTER OF SA POPULATION INFECTED WITH HIV: -- SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES --

Approximately one-quarter of the population of South Africa is infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.  Public awareness in the country as to how to protect against infection is increasing.  However, travelers are advised to exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in sexual activity, or if they become exposed to a blood source other than that supplied by a hospital for transfusion purposes.

While visiting game parks and reserves, it is dangerous to leave one's vehicle or otherwise be on foot, even in the presence of a guide.  Several incidents of wild animal attacks on tourists in the region have resulted in death or serious injury.  If visiting South Africa’s expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports.  In 2005 and 2006, in the False Bay area of the Western Cape, several people were attacked by sharks; some of the attacks were fatal.  When a shark is spotted close to the shore, local authorities will sound a warning siren to notify swimmers.

Tragic accidents can occur when swimming in the ocean or walking/climbing on shore areas that are not designated beaches.  Tourists have drowned when swimming in coastal waters, where tides and wave patterns can change unexpectedly and overwhelm even excellent swimmers.  Do not swim alone in isolated beach areas.  Do not dive into unknown bodies of water, because hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.

Eskom, the major supplier of electricity in South Africa, has reported that the demand for electricity may exceed the available supply from time to time.  In order to manage the situation Eskom periodically interrupts the supply to certain areas in rolling blackouts termed “load shedding.”  Although information about possible outages is available on Eskom’s website, Eskom does not always adhere to the published schedule.

Unexpected power outages may strand individuals in extremely difficult or vulnerable circumstances such as in elevators or, in recent instances, on board the Table Mountain aerial cable car in Cape Town.  Power failures may result in considerable inconvenience as most tourist sites are not equipped with generators and may be closed without prior notification.  Blackouts may also contribute to traffic congestion, traffic signal failures and hazardous intersections.  Please be mindful of any situation in which a sudden break in power could result in potential harm. Please see our Customs Informationhttp://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.htmlEND OF WARNING BY US STATE DEPARTMENT