About crime

When I landed in Johannesburg for the first time 18 months ago, I was worried how to get from the airport alive and certain I would at least get robbed immediately. The lady who met us surprised me with carrying a normal handbag and taking out her wallet to pay the parking ticket - and nobody attacked! She then took us for some sightseeing and we had a coffee at an outdoor café, with no armed guards in sight. We even had lunch sitting outside!

Yes, things do happen here and you have to be cautious, but the headlines in Europe are scaring people too much. 90% of crime happens in the townships and especially during weekend nights. There are certainly areas which are no-go for white people, and walking around at night is not advisable. I do lock the car every time I leave the gates of our secure estate and I put my handbag under my feet or in the trunk and I do not drive with the windows down but so far I cannot say I have felt frightened anywhere.

Smash and grab is what I have heard the most likely thing to happen. Someone will notice in the traffic lights that your handbag or nice phone is visible and in the next traffic lights your window is smashed and your things disappear in a blink. This can be avoided by keeping valuables out of sight.  

There are always people waiting for taxis

Driving on an empty street at night and stopping at traffic lights, there is the chance that you are suddenly surrounded by bad guys wanting your car. So it is important to look around you while standing still and be prepared to drive away quickly if necessary. I try not to drive when it is dark but it is not always possible to avoid. 

The Estate were we live feels very secure and I have noticed most people leave their doors unlocked when they are at home. The worst thing that could happen here, people say, is that you make your maid or gardener angry and they open the door to robbers when you are not around. Or young people feeling bored break into your house in order to get some excitement and maybe find alcohol. 

Lunch at Casalinga with Catalan friends

Johannesburg views

So yes, crime is an issue but should not scare you to not visit South-Africa, which is an amazing country!