In light of South Africa’s high crime rate, Donna Bryson investigates what World Cup fans can do to reduce risk. Police spokesman Vish Naidoooffered tips that would be familiar to those visiting urban areas around the world: Don’t flaunt your valuables. Don’t walk alone in isolated places. Tap local knowledge, suchas hotel staff, for guidance on safe neighborhoods in which to walk or jog.
Naidoo also notes that South African police will be on the streets in large numbers during the World Cup tooffer assistance. A recruiting drive that began in 2004 was aimed at increasing police numbers by 55,000 to 200,000 nationwide by tournament time. The majority of muggings, murders and other crimesare concentrated in a few areas plagued by drug use or destabilizing factors. In most cases, victims are South African and know the criminals.
Naidoo said international visitors are lesslikely victims: “People can draw confidence from that. There’s no need to be paranoid.” Gary Ronald of the Automobile Association of South Africa advises visitorsask for a GPS when they rent cars. “We certainly wouldn’t advocate just stopping and asking a stranger [for directions] in the street,” he said.
Cameras and purses shouldbe kept in the trunk, and windows rolled up while driving through crowded downtowns. When using an ATM, don’t take advice on using the machine from anyone hanging around the area, not evensomeone who looks like a guard.