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South Africa is considered a Medium to High Risk CPP enviroment, generally. 

English is spoken by a large percentage of the population.

In area's outside tourist hotspots the carriage of weapons is the norm.  South Africa is reported as having the second highest violent crime rate, in the world.  It is reported that !2,000 people died from gunshot in South Africa, in 1998 (BBC report).

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa, generally, because of the high level of serious crime. Muggings, rape, armed robbery and other forms of theft are common.  These threats are most associated with built up area's.  Within private game reserves, reputable tourist resorts or on organised tours the threat is lower.

Avoid large congregations of locals.  Although South Africa is considered a stable society there are still outbreaks of group violence.

Murders and carjackings involving foreign tourists have been reported. Travellers have been robbed and assaulted after having their food or drinks spiked. The South African Police Service does not have “Tourist Police”. Criminals, however, have posed as “Tourist Police” to extort and rob tourists, including by stopping tourists buses to check proof of identity and search luggage.

Crime is significantly higher after dark in the centres of major cities and in township areas. The inner suburbs of Johannesburg (Berea and Hillbrow) and the beachfront in Durban are particularly prone to crime and you should avoid travelling to these areas.

Crime rates are generally high in the townships, you should only visit with protection or as part of an organised tour. Opportunistic crimes such as muggings, robberies and rape are a significant risk if on foot in these area's, especially at night.  Do not leave you vehicle, generally, in high risk area's. You should also avoid isolated beaches, lookouts and picnic areas, when traveling alone.  Traveling alone is not recommended.

Be aware South Africa has a high incidents of HIV/AIDS. 

When travelling by car, you should keep the doors locked, the windows up and valuables out of sight. Thieves posing as vendors or beggars target cars on highway off ramps, stopped at intersections and at traffic lights. Criminals have also placed debris on roads to stop vehicles. You should not stop to clear debris off the road.  Locals are often armed whilst traveling.

Valuables such as cameras, mobile phones and jewellery should be kept out of sight, and you should exercise vigilance in public places. Bags and backpacks have been stolen in public places including restaurants and bars.  Ensure multiple copies of important documents are carried separately.

There is a luggage theft and pilferage problem at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. Use an airport plastic wrapping service when available and avoid placing electronics, jewellery, cameras and other valuables into checked luggage. Criminals operate out of the airport in Johannesburg, following some overseas visitors to their homes or hotels and robbing them.

We DEFINITELY advise against accepting unsolicited assistance with transport when arriving at the airport in Johannesburg. Assaults and robberies have also taken place on local commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as on commuter trains in Cape Town. Hikers have been attacked on the tracks on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town.

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