South Africa: High crime rates persist in Cape Town /update 1

Event

High levels of violence continue to be reported in the Cape Town area despite the arrival of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers on Friday, July 12. While the soldiers arrived in the area on Friday, they are reportedly not currently authorized to conduct patrols. According to police officials, 43 murders were reported between July 12 and Monday, July 15, throughout the Cape Town municipality. Another 143 people were arrested during the same time period. The SANDF soldiers are expected to help local police conduct joint security operations, particularly in the Cape Flats, Bonteheuwel, Delft, Hanover Park, and Philippi East areas of Cape Town. Heightened security measures, including an increase in cordon and search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, and checkpoints are expected in the coming months.

Context

According to local statistics, at least 900 people were murdered in gang violence between January and June 2019 in the Cape Flats area.

Advice

Individuals in Cape Town are advised to monitor the situation, avoid nonessential travel to the above area, and obey all instructions issued by the local authorities. On a more general note, individuals throughout the country are advised to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Remain vigilant at all times while in public

• Minimize travel by foot

• Avoid going out after nightfall

• Maintain a low profile and avoid any conspicuous dress

• Whenever possible, travel with a local guide

• Be extremely vigilant at ATMs and when exiting banks

• As criminals are often armed, never offer resistance during an attempted robbery; obey all orders given, avoid eye contact and sudden movements, and do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible

• To avoid becoming an easy target, vary daily routes to reduce the predictability of your movements

• When driving, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and all valuables out of plain sight; maintain sufficient space between you and the car ahead of you to allow for room to manoeuvre, keeping in mind that you are vulnerable when stuck in traffic

• If you believe you may be being followed, drive to a police station or other public facility, never home

• Park as close to your destination as possible when traveling by car, particularly after dark

• When possible, use a chauffeured car service; never use public transportation