The Canadian government has warned its citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to South Africa, citing the country’s high levels of violent and petty crime.
“Exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant level of serious crime. Violent crimes occur frequently throughout the country and have involved foreigners,” it said.
In a travel advisory published on December 4, Canada classified South Africa as a high-risk destination, urging travellers to be vigilant due to what it described as a “significant level of serious crime” urging travellers to be vigilant due to what it described as a “significant level of serious crime.”
“Travellers should exercise a high degree of caution in South Africa due to the significant level of serious crime,” it stated.
They warned that violent crimes occur frequently in South Africa and have involved foreigners.
“These crimes include armed robberies, burglaries, home invasions, carjackings, assaults, including sexual assaults, and murders,” the advisory said.
According to the advisory, crime levels increase significantly after dark, particularly in major city centres and townships. Travellers were advised to avoid city centres after dark, stay in accommodations with adequate security measures, keep doors and windows locked at all times, keep valuables out of sight and reach, avoid townships and isolated areas; and don’t resist an attack. They were warned to keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place; not show signs of affluence, wear expensive jewellery or visibly display electronics; avoid unnecessary travel after dark; not leave valuables unattended; be cautious when withdrawing cash; and only use reputable tour operators.
“Kidnappings for ransom occur frequently and foreign nationals have been kidnapped in the past. Theft from hotel rooms and guest houses is common.”
They flagged Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching as common, especially in crowded places including public markets and popular tourist sites.
