Johannesburg - Post Report Question and Answers
Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Cirme is no joke. Treat security seriously, but its no worse than other places in Africa and South America. - Aug 2023
Johannesburg is rated as a critical crime post, and for good reason. Robberies are common, and every few weeks you’ll hear of a colleague who was impacted by crime. You’re most likely to encounter snatch-and-grab robberies, although it varies significantly– some Mission facilities have had cars stolen from the parking lot during business hours. Take as much precaution as you can, and have an emergency plan for times of social unrest. - Aug 2022
Where to start? This is the most unequal place on the planet, and society is only barely keeping itself from imploding. Safety concerns are everywhere: at the street corner, as you approach your house, even when you sleep. Expect to live behind high walls and electrified fences, CCTV cameras, burglar bars on windows. But once that's all set up, the place is magical. - Jun 2022
There is no way to sugar-coat it: the risk of being a victim of crime in Joburg is pretty high. Lots of people experience it one form or another (burglarized cars is a big one). And some parts of the city are not safe to be in at night. Having said that, I traveled throughout the city extensively and often late into the evening without any problem. Be aware, and try to be in the company of locals if you are in a dodgy area. - Oct 2019
Crime is a concern. Walking around town is generally not recommended, and robberies/carjacking are relatively common. House alarms are a must as burglary is also a regular problem. - Apr 2017
You can't help every single person who asks for money. Be aware of your surroundings, just like in any big city. From a terrorism perspective, it is safer than many other parts of the world. - Sep 2016
security is a concern, but does not monopolize your life. stay alert and aware of your surroundings and you should be fine. - Aug 2011
Crime is criticle here, that being said you can enjoy life out in the open here but just need to be conscious of your surroundings and security in general. - Jul 2010
Where do I start? Jo'berg has a very bad reputation for being dangerous. There is quite a bit of crime, but it seems random. Lots of break-ins, burglaries, carjackings and "smash and grabs"-this is where a person will smash your window and grab a bag or any other item that is on the car seat. A simple way to remedy this is to not have anything on the seat. There are security guards, fences and walls EVERYWHERE--again, something you just get used to. There does seem to be a rise in violent crimes this is usually a carjacking or burglary gone bad. I am a single female, and I do feel safe here. You just need to be cautious and hope for the best. It is not nearly as scary as they make it out to be! - Oct 2009
