The inability to find the source of the counterfeit products has hampered local investigations. Heroin not consumed within South Africa is then trafficked via air to Europe, although a small percentage is shipped to the United States. Visit the, website before providing any personal/financial details or making any financial commitment. International SOS: Tel: +27 (11) 541-1100 or +27 (11) 541-1300, NetCare 911: Tel: 082 911 or +27 (10) 209 8392. Such schemes may be orchestrated by corrupt employees of the pension fund, or may be a fraudulent scam run by third parties. South Africa’s primary electricity supplier, Eskom, periodically conducts load-shedding (rolling blackouts) to safeguard the electrical grid. According to the survey, 45% of cases involved a perpetrator between the ages of 31 and 40: 64% of con men held a high school education or less. Gangs will place debris in the road and wait for a vehicle to stop after hitting the object. U.S. government employees elsewhere in Africa often evacuate to South Africa for medical treatment. ) Private security firms promise response times of two to three minutes. [152] South African police sources stated that Nigerians living in Johannesburg suburbs operate advance fee fraud (419) schemes. The government attributes the attacks to high unemployment; the official unemployment rate is over 26%. [199] Similar attempts to fleece millions from provincial health departments by submitting fake and fraudulent medical negligence claims have been thwarted. [142] Communities on the verges of expanding open-cast mines have found that they are subjected to intense intimidation when not willing to sell. Labor unions carry substantial political clout, and can mobilize thousands of people. The import of manufactured counterfeit products has been more difficult to stem. [80] 1,202 cases of truck hijacking were reported to the SAPS in 2019/20. Despite inequality in income and educational opportunity, persistent poverty, a severe HIV/AIDS pandemic, and violent crime, South Africa remains a successful multiparty democratic society and boasts a robust civil society. The Constitution outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation, and same-sex marriage has been legal since 2006. U.S. law enforcement agencies effectively coordinate with South African counterparts on investigations and operations, and provide training to build capacity. [86] These are well-planned operations with military-style execution,[87] where the robbers use stolen luxury vehicles and high-powered automatic firearms[88] to bring the armoured car to a stop. [89][90] Arrest rates are generally low,[86] but it was believed that the 2017/2018 spate of heists in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng were brought to an end with the arrest of Wellington Cenenda. Review OSAC’s South Africa-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password. Provincial legislators have stated that a lack of sufficient equipment has resulted in an ineffective and demoralized South African Police Service. [203] The bank account details of the receiving company may also be falsified. By November 2020 some 411 retailers, stokvels and funeral homes have also submitted claims totalling R322 million. The government has challenges in addressing the root causes. [206] Employees of government institutions, including the SAPS, have also been implicated in over R1 billion of irregular deposits of Covid-19 funds into private companies. Yellow fever vaccinations are generally not administered at ports of entry. [92] In 2020 the three largest CIT companies resolved to launch an association that will co-ordinate efforts to counter the unacceptably high levels of violent attacks. [89] In 2006 there were 467 reported cases, 400 in 2007/2008,[88] 119 in 2012, 180 in 2014, 370 in 2017, 116 in 2018 and 90 in 2019. These crimes can happen anywhere, but most occur at major intersections and at highway off-ramps. So-called "blue light gangs" have been active in Gauteng since 2018,[78][79][80] who employ vehicles fitted with blue lights and sirens, and wear police apparel to convince motorists or truckers to cooperate. The estimated 30,000 illegal miners are organised by criminal syndicates which infiltrate industrial gold mines, where they employ violent means and exploitative working conditions. The ISS noted a smaller increase in the number of murders in 2019/20. U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information, 877 Pretorius St, Arcadia 0083; Hours 0745-1700 (Monday-Thursday) and 0745-1245 (Friday), Marine Security Guard Post 1: +27 (12) 431-4169 (After Hours), Regional Security Office: +27 (12) 431-4099, Consulate General Cape Town: Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape, Consulate General Johannesburg: Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, and North-West. [280][282] Due to their age and rarity, heritage items may fetch high prices, but are completely non-renewable.[283]. For more information, review OSAC’s report. If a marked or unmarked police vehicle forces you to pull over, turn on your emergency blinkers and drive slowly to a secure, well-illuminated area. Pilferage of luggage at OR Tambo International Airport (JHB) in Johannesburg occurs, particularly at the passenger pick-up area outside the arrivals terminal, where criminals may pose as Good Samaritans offering to assist with luggage. Thoroughly inspect any ATM for suspicious attachments/devices. South Africa cooperates with international counterparts to increase the impact of its efforts against transnational drug trafficking and other forms of crime. [275] Vulnerable species in the South African context include the African elephant, white and black rhinoceros, abalone, certain whale species, Encephalartos cycads and valuable succulent genera such as Conophytum. otherwise distributing OSAC-derived information in a manner inconsistent with this policy may result in the discontinuation of OSAC support. In February 2007, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation was contracted by the South African ANC government to carry out a study on the nature of crime in South Africa. Murder rates in South Africa have been steadily rising since 2011-12 according to official figures. U.S. Department of State. The national police emergency number is: 10-111 or 112 from a mobile phone. Since 2015, South Africa has experienced its worst drought since 1982, with water shortages across the country. Follow-up investigations however revealed that R500 million,[163] or double the amount initially suspected, was indeed squandered and Mvunonala, which had its sights on additional Amplats pensions,[164] was liquidated. Proceedings to recover overpayments of R2.78 billion from three contractors received the go-ahead. [296] By contrast South Africa had 450,000 private security guards in 2020 (and 470,000 in 2021),[297] besides 1.5 million qualified "but inactive" private security personnel. In South A… [288] Various institutions and museums have subsequently cut back on the simultaneous display of heritage items. Victims have lost large sums of money to these scams. [276][277] In reptile laundering, animals caught in the wild are presented as captive-bred. In the five-year period from 2012 to 2016, some 2,665 pieces from altogether 30 heritage institutions were reported lost or stolen. Consider purchasing a supplemental medical evacuation (medevac) insurance policy prior to travel. [138] As of 2021, R1,000 to R5,000 is charged for a plot that lacks water tanks, electricity or any basic services. Crime and violence affect everybody like everywhere else in the world. [156] Social security cards may be stolen and offered for sale, or non-existing services may be offered to facilitate grants. For medical assistance, refer to the U.S. Mission’s Medical Assistance page. A Cybercrimes and Cybersecurity Bill, with the goal of codifying cybercrimes offences and penalties in South Africa, is currently in the revision process with no set timeline of advancement through the legislative process. This spate included the murder of a significant number of people, including members of the South African Police Service, killed while on duty. These protests often result in burning tires, stoning vehicles, and blocking roads. HIV/AIDS remains a major public health concern. Unauthorized photography of certain sites (government buildings, similar locations) might result in fines/arrest. Authorities discovered an, Throughout July 2018, police discovered a. released in June 2018, 57% of South African respondents had a favorable view of the United States. [240], Since 2015 theft of avocado and macadamia produce has shown an upward trend which affects smallholder as well as large scale farmers. Labor strikes and protests occur frequently and can be violent and disruptive. Likewise Telkom, Eskom and Spoornet each report thousands of cable theft incidents annually. For further information for LGBTI travelers, please read the State Department’s LGBTI Travel Information page. re; it is best to transfer to one of the three corporate hospitals if significantly ill or injured. [159] The fund's holding company, Mvunonala Group, immediately contested this assertion in a press release,[162] claiming all funds were accounted for. [244] Gates, fencing, man-hole covers, paving stones, filling material of road embankments,[245] metal sheeting,[246] any copper objects (which fetches R80/kg),[247] brass water meters, street lights, pipes, bathroom faucets and parts of statues are stolen,[248] and smaller items may be transported in black garbage bins in broad daylight. Unannounced protests have led to property destruction and assaults. The explosives are used to bomb ATMs, rob cash-in-transit vehicles, for illegal mining operations, or more recently as a tool of extortion during robberies. They complement SAPS efforts to detect/deter crime, and provide improved response to calls of a serious nature. Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence. If you think you are being followed, drive to the nearest safe area (any area that is populated or normally covered by security cameras). According to the Ethics Institute’s 2017 South Africa Citizen’s Bribery Survey, 37% of respondents knew someone who had been asked to pay a bribe in the past year. If visiting the expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming or engaging in water sports. [204], Covid-19 emergency funds, supplied to South Africa by the IMF, have fallen prey to fraudsters when stringent tender procedures were not followed. ", "Two 'Drunk' Cop Videos Surface In Less Than A Week", "Khayelitsha cop facing drunk driving charges after crashing police car", "New drunk driving laws likely to criminalise innocent motorists", "Gauteng police close 9 illegal liquor outlets", "Reducing the drink driving limit to zero makes zero sense, experts say", "Cops or robbers? Lock doors, remove valuables from view, and keep windows up. When a passerby stops to assist or to inspect damage, the criminals rob the driver of valuables, and sometimes steal their car or assaulted them. [286][287] Heritage experts were outraged, and expressed concerns about Mapungubwe artifacts displayed at the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, which are on loan from Pretoria University. The U.S. in Mission South Africa does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. [167], People desperate for employment may fall prey to fake recruitment agencies that levy illegal charges,[168] and fraudsters posing as potential employers advertise jobs on social media or career websites, and demand upfront payment for supposed administration fees, accommodation deposits or police clearance checks. On average, 58 people were murdered every day. Check the Mission's website to review active and archived Alerts. South African taxi operators regularly engage in turf wars to control lucrative routes. Although the legal system protects LGBTI individuals, public attitudes are divergent. [215] Police ombudsman J.J. These private companies generally have 1-2 armed officers in response vehicles and patrol neighborhoods throughout the day. [57] In 2001, a South African was more likely to be murdered than die in a car crash. [53] Between 2011–2015, it stabilised to around 32 homicides per 100,000 people although the total number of lives lost has increased due to the increase in population. Government departments and large parastatals generally mirror these problems. According to the Ethics Institute’s. One manufacturer of a U.S. clothing brand in Durban is working with local authorities to remove Chinese-made imitations from the streets and to halt importation of these items. Local populations sometimes perceive law enforcement as ineffective, prompting instances of vigilantism. Although the severity of the drought is episodic, many areas of South Africa are still experiencing severe drought and tight water restrictions. The private health care sector ranks among the best in the world. For more information on ridesharing, review OSAC’s Annual Briefing report, There is moderate risk from terrorism in Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg, and Pretoria. The National Traffic Police has authority to enforce traffic laws throughout South Africa, especially on all major highways. Three private health corporations (NetCare, Mediclinic, and Life Hospitals) dominate the private health care system in South Africa. Avoid strikes and protests, given the frequency at which these turn violent. Do not use rideshare services for travel outside major metropolitan areas, or to previously disadvantaged areas. Typical protest activities include blocking major thoroughfares (termed a “go slow”) with vehicles and/or debris, or gridlocking central Johannesburg with sheer numbers of protestors. [179] Unregistered surgeons that perform circumcisions in initiation ceremonies have caused the deaths of many. Various debris like concrete slabs, tyres or rocks are also placed on roadways, or a car may be tapped or bumped to induce the driver to leave the vehicle. [91] These crimes are often perpetrated by ex convicts who are willing to commit extreme violence. In 2017/18, cases increased by 1,320. These fake police officers often use unmarked vehicles with a police light in the dashboard, and flash what appears to be a badge. An advanced-fee scheme occurs when the victim pays money to someone in anticipation of receiving something of greater value (e.g. 2. [76] Smash-and-grab robbers or opportunist vagrants target slow-moving traffic in cities, cars at filling stations or motorists that have become stranded beside highways. Passengers in transit from Senegal and Ghana that do not leave the aircraft do not require a yellow fever certificate. Throughout July 2018, police discovered a spate of incendiary devices planted throughout Durban. The SAPS employ private security companies to patrol and safeguard certain police stations, thereby freeing fully trained police officers to perform their core function of preventing and fighting crime. A high number of murders of taxi owners or drivers have not resulted in either arrests or successful prosecutions,[85] and this has been blamed on vested interests of police officials. Some GPS systems may route motorists through dangerous neighborhoods/townships and/or on remote/unsafe rural roads. Kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) has occurred on few occasions. ", "Talle wapens by veiligheidsmaatskappy gesteel", "SANDF under scrutiny over theft of weapons, ammo", "Dozens of military weapons lost or stolen over last three years", "South Africa's deadly mix of explosives, extortion and organised crime a ticking timebomb", "Privatisering van treine nie 'n opsie nie, meen Untu", "Nuuskommentaar: Veiligheid lê in voorkoming eerder as vervolging", "Senzo Meyiwa-moordsaak uitgestel tot 27 November", "As Criminal Intelligence implodes, sparring cops skewer South Africa", "Ombudsman sê oor treinbrande in Wes-Kaap", "Police face huge backlog in DNA sample tests", "Cape Town wants to use drones to combat crime – here's how it would work", NationMaster: South African crime statistics, "Archived copy: Final crime stats – slight decline of 1.4% in violent crime", "Minister Bheki Cele: Annual Crime Statistics 2019/2020", "Here's how South Africa's crime rate compares to actual warzones", "Is SA worse off now than 19 years ago? South Africa is one of the most progressive countries in the world in the protection of LGBTI rights, but it still faces a number of challenges. Armed robbery is the most prevalent major crime in South Africa, most often committed by organized gangs armed with handguns and/or knives. Funding for long-term water projects is limited due mainly to a lagging economy, inefficient management of water infrastructure, and non-payment for services rendered. Some economic crimes go undetected, while the imposed penalties amount to little deterrence. It is common that a foreigner without local health insurance may have to pay for medical services in advance with cash or a major credit card. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s, : Eastern Cape, Northern Cape and Western Cape, U.S. travelers should register with the U.S. Department of State, External links to other internet sites should not be construed as an endorsement of the views or privacy policies contained therein, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud, Department of State international financial scams webpage, South African Automobile Association (AA), Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Abroad, Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography, 2017 South Africa Citizen’s Bribery Survey. As of 2020, illegal connections in Soweto alone causes Johannesburg's City Power R3 million in losses daily,[254] but the practice is also current in Diepsloot and Alexandra where meter boxes and units are absent,[255] besides Roodepoort, Midrand and even the upmarket Waterfall Estate. Rip tides are common but unpredictable. For more information, review OSAC’s report, If visiting the expansive coastline, be mindful of the possible presence of sharks when swimming. There are effective detective programs at all SAPS stations, and detectives are on duty 24/7. Gauteng and Western Cape Provinces host the political and economic capitals of the country, and typically experience more labor unrest than other provinces. Always travel with a fully charged cell phone and a mobile charger. AA and other roadside assistance companies can provide armed response units that will wait with motorists until the vehicle is repaired or towed to a service center. The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for, The Country Council in Johannesburg (including members based in Pretoria) meets quarterly, as does the Country Council in Cape Town. Each corporation owns approximately 60 hospitals throughout the country. Metropolitan police departments enforce both traffic and criminal offensives in their areas of operation. The facts behind THAT Facebook post", "South Africa 'a country at war' as murder rate soars to nearly 49 a day", The reliability of violent crime statistics, "S. Africa murder rate rises to 52 a day", "Nigeria boycotts Africa economic summit over anti-foreign riots", SAPS data reproduced by the Institute for Security Studies, "South Africa gang rape a symbol of nation's problem", Quarter of men in South Africa admit rape, survey finds, "Money preacher guilty of raping girls and 'witch' naming", "Mapisa-Nqakula: The devil is in SANDF sexual assault penalties for perpetrators", "Crime in South Africa: A country and cities profile", "Hijacking In South Africa On The Rise: Where, when and which cars", "Alleged blue light hijackers nabbed in Gauteng", "Couple's car hijacked by 'blue light gang' in Vaal, wife found dead", "Massive spike in these 2 types of crimes in Gauteng", "Twenty five arrested for truck attacks as Cele ponders calling in the army for assistance", "Watch out for perils of hijack hot spots", "Motorists attacked by knife-wielding vagrants", "Cash-in-transit heists are a mutating, spreading virus", "Cash-in-transit industry launches alliance to counter violent attacks", "Hawks: Arrest of cash-in-transit heist mastermind will collapse network", "R3.2m found in a bin, 3 arrested after Joburg cash-in-transit robbery", "WATCH: Brazen Eastern Cape bakkie thieves make off with entire Sassa ATM", "Eerste swart boere-egpaar, Andrew en Loryn Monakane, op plaas in Vrystaat vermoor – Afriforum", "Mandeni Johannes Moloi murdered in farm attack - DA FState", "Farm murder: Outrage as KZN farmer, 80, tied to a tree and shot dead", "Man who murdered, robbed EC farmer sentenced to life", "Plaasmoorde: DA trek 'n duidelike streep in die sand", "ATTACKS: Everyone on a farm is a victim or potential victim", "BBC World Service - Programmes - South Africa Farm Murder", "Two more S.African farmers killed: death toll now at 3,037", "Kommer oor toename in plaasaanvalle in Addo", "WATCH l Police van torched as farmers storm holding cells of Brendin Horner murder accused", "Crime Statistics: April 2013 - March 2014", "Murder, attempted murder and robbery the three biggest headaches for SAPS", "At some point we have to make sure that we address crime from its roots", "Gang-related crimes growing across South Africa", "More than R100k in drugs found at flat near Teddy Mafia's home, Hawks confirm", "Ramaphosa gives green light for army to go into Cape's gang-infested areas", "It's not worth testifying when gangsters walk free, says Roegshanda Pascoe's scared kids", "Illegal guns 'driving' violent crime in Cape Flats - WC top cop", "Mitchells Plain shootings: Gang leaders 'do not want peace on the Cape Flats, "Minister Naledi Pandor dubs attacks on foreigners 'embarrassing' and 'shameful, "Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: Gauteng violence well-organised criminality", "Union calls on South Africans to stop 'evil' xenophobic violence", "ADF wants government to deploy troops to stop anti-migrant violence", "74 more people arrested over violent xenophobic attacks in Gauteng", "Over 90 arrested in Joburg CBD violence", "Just in: Five more VBS arrests made – including a 'prominent politician, "VBS-skandaal: Munisipaliteite soek R15 miljard terug", "Banks unwittingly employ criminals in rush to meet BEE targets - David Klatzow", "Theft out of car leaves couple out of pocket", "South Africa crime stats 2020: everything you need to know", "Land invasions a growing concern for City of Johannesburg", "Land invasion contravenes Covid-19 regulations, says City of Cape Town", "Alleged Limpopo land sales scam: Court grants 6 suspects bail", "Beware of syndicates selling vacant plots illegally, warns MMC", "Ex-Security Minister Bongo Among 11 Arrested in R124 Million Land Fraud", "South Africa: DA Calls for SIU Probe After Emerging Black Farmers Blow the Lid On Corrupt Land Reform Practices", "A South African village, a murder and a coal mine", "Mining activists in SA face death threats, intimidation and harassment - report", "South Africa: Activists in Mining Areas Harassed: Government, Companies Should Protect Environment Defenders", "DA-led governments pass over R100 billion in pro-poor budgets - Maimane", "Net closes on group of 'rogue' liquidators", How to impersonate a central bank via email, "SASSA fraud: 33 pension beneficiaries arrested in Free State", "SASSA clamps down on illegal sale of social grant cards", "At least R255m in mine workers' cash lost in Amplats pension scam", "Kawie faces arrest in missing pension money case", "South African pension fund scandal: 'The damage will be immense, "Steinhoff scandal cost Government Employees Fund R20bn", "Security sector provident fund defends trustees' 'exorbitant' fees", "Desperate job-seekers are falling victim to fake employment offers", "Hawks intensifies fight against foreigners involved in illegal mining", "Five illegal miners found dead: Five bodies, suspected to be those of illegal miners, were found in an old mine shaft close to New Modder Road this morning", "South Africa: Search for killers of miners 'stoned to death, "One killed as illegal miners fight over ill-gotten gains", "Three men killed in suspected illegal mining shaft collapse", "Taxpayers must not be duped by criminals", "Nigerian national gets 6-year prison term for making and selling fake tertiary certificates", "Undocumented foreigners arrested for allegedly creating fake matric, marriage and university certificates", "Two bogus teachers lose R1.2m pension after using fake documents to get jobs", "Second illegal initiate dies in Eastern Cape", "Amptenaar betaal haarself glo lank tweede salaris", "Municipalities are disregarding advice: Makwetu", "Government wasteful expenditure skyrockets", "We want to avoid political meddling in running of parastatals – Mabuza", "Ex-Denel exec Mlambo 'didn't understand' how Gupta company was awarded contract", "The former finance boss of Eskom, Transnet – a Gupta ally – cost SA billions.