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Safety and crime in Johannesburg
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With its extremes of poverty and wealth and its brash, get-ahead culture, it's hardly surprising that Johannesburg can be a dangerous place. The city has an unenviable reputation, although in many cases intimidation is a bigger problem than crime itself. As in all major cities, taking sensible precautions is likely to see you through safely, although the presence of illegal firearms makes taking extra care especially important.
If you're wandering around on foot, the crime you are most at risk from is mugging (sometimes violent). Certain areas carry a much higher risk than others; be particularly alert when exploring the central business district (CBD), Braamfontein and Newtown, and only walk the streets here during office hours. Joubert Park, Hillbrow and Berea are regarded at present as no-go zones, and although Yeoville and Observatory are a little safer, these are places for those who are particularly confident or have someone to show them around. You are very unlikely to be mugged on the streets in Melville, Parktown or Rosebank. In high-risk areas, try not to look like a tourist. Ideally, travel in a small group. Study maps beforehand (not on street corners), avoid asking for directions from passers-by, and don't walk around with luggage. Try to look into the crowds coming your way, to see if there are any groups of young men (the main offenders) moving as a block. If you're carrying valuables, leave a portion of them easily available, so that muggers are likely to be quickly satisfied and not investigate you further. Never resist muggers; running like hell can work, but some have guns, which you won't know about until too late. You're unlikely to be mugged on public transport but, as always, it's wise to stay alert, especially around busy spots such as Park station and bus stations or taxi ranks. Waiting for buses in the northern suburbs is generally safe. Don't expect too much from the police . Police on the street are rare, and normally have other distractions than keeping an eye out for tourists. In the city centre and Rosebank you can make use of City Ambassadors , identified by their yellow caps and bibs. These are people hired by a partnership between local government and local shops and businesses to provide an anti-crime presence on the street. Some are better trained than others to help tourists, but you can always approach them for directions, or if you think you're being followed. If you're driving around, there is a small risk of car-jacking , and thieves have also been known to reach into open windows or break side windows to snatch jewellery or valuables left on passenger seats. It's a good idea to keep all car doors locked and windows up - never wait in an unlocked car while a friend goes into a shop. Leaving or returning to your car are the most dangerous times, so keep a good lookout, seek out secure and preferably guarded parking, and don't dawdle. Although local urban legends suggest you should never stop at traffic lights at night, you're more likely to increase your risk of injury doing this - statistics show more people get injured in car accidents than become crime victims. If you stop at traffic lights in suspicious areas, keep a good distance between you and the car in front and stay aware of people moving around the car. However, it's important to retain a sense of proportion about potential risks in Johannesburg. Most importantly, don't let paranoia ruin your stay in the city - remember that most Jo'burgers have no intention of doing you any harm at all. The most sensible course is to do as they do: juggle your fear and your bravado, without letting one swamp the other Other useful information
for tourists (each section contains more specific sub-sections): |
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South Africa,
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