Safety

Despite alarmist travel guides and negative press, tourists should not feel fearful in Gauteng. The province is acutely aware of the need to reduce crime and has put many initiatives in place to do so, such as installing surveillance cameras on streets in the central business district and at automatic teller machines (ATMs), and increasing the visibility of police. These initiatives have resulted in a decrease of the number of robberies and thefts.

Car hijacking remains a concern in the province. The crime generally involves at least two armed criminals who lie in wait at garages, in driveways or at traffic lights. The victim is forced to leave the car, which is then stolen, at gunpoint. There are a number of precautions one can take, such as always being vigilant and alert, and ensuring that you are not followed – as when travelling anywhere – to ensure a safer trip.

The Gauteng Tourism Authority Brochure offers the following sensible tips for tourists:

At the airport

• Make sure that your bags and luggage are locked. Do not place valuables in unlocked, zipped side compartments. It is a good idea to “wrap” your luggage in plastic – a service that is offered at major airports.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended, especially laptops and other technical equipment.
• Watch out for staged mishaps, such as people bumping into you or spilling a drink. This is often an attempt to divert your attention while accomplices steal your possessions.
• Carry your purse close to your body.
• When seeking help or directions, approach clearly marked and accredited information counters only.

At your hotel or accommodation

• Do not leave your luggage unattended and ensure that only a member of staff, in uniform and bearing a name tag, assists you with your luggage.
• Lock your luggage in your room and keep valuables in the hotel’s safe-deposit box.
• Keep your room locked at all times and check who is knocking before opening the door.
• Hand in your room key at the desk when you go out and tell the receptionist where you are going.

On the road

On the streets

• Plan your route beforehand.
• Do not stop in remote areas.
• Do not stop to ask for directions or check your map on the streets. Rather head for a petrol station or public area.
• Arrange outings through your accommodation establishment or nearest tourism information office.
• Do not carry large sums of money with you – rather use a cash card.

At banks or ATMs

• Refuse assistance from anyone trying to help you while you are conducting a transaction.
• Ensure that you have your bank’s number, so that if your card gets stuck or “swallowed” by the ATM, you can phone and cancel it immediately.
• Pack your money away while you are at the bank counter and do not allow people to see that you are carrying large amounts of cash.
• Check that you are not being followed when you leave the bank or ATM.

In your vehicle and on the road

• Hire a vehicle fitted with a satellite navigation device or get a map of your route and study it before you embark on your trip. Check the safety and reputation of areas you plan to travel through or visit with a tourist information bureau or the police before you embark on your journey.
• Lock all valuables in the boot (truck) of your vehicle rather than letting them lie visible in the vehicle. Keep the doors locked and do not wind the windows down more than a few centimetres.
• Remain alert and aware at all times – at traffic lights and in parking lots or garages.
• Never pick up strangers or hitchhikers.
• Do not accept a lift from anyone not known to you. Rather use an accredited taxi service, and keep its number with you at all times in case you get stranded.
• If your car is bumped by another car, approach the situation with caution. If you are in doubt or feel uncomfortable, signal to the other driver to follow you to the nearest police station or a busy, well-lit area where it is safe to get out of the car.
• At night, park in well-lit areas.