South Africa: Military deployment extended in Western Cape as of September 16 /update 3

Event

On Monday, September 16, President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to crime-affected parts of the Western Cape province until Tuesday, March 31. Areas notably affected include the Cape Flats, Bonteheuwel, Delft, Hanover Park, and Philippi East areas of Cape Town. The deployment is part of a security operation to tackle rising crime rates in these areas. Heightened security measures, including an increase in cordon and search operations, foot and vehicle patrols, and checkpoints are expected in the coming months.

Advice

Individuals in Western Cape province are advised to monitor the situation, avoid nonessential travel to the above areas, 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