The following bulletin was copied from an incoming travel advice sent to subscribers of the services provided by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade - see reference for this bulletin below.
"Crime
The South African Police Service does not have “Tourist Police”. Criminals, however, have posed as “Tourist Police” to extort and rob tourists, including by stopping tourists buses to check proof of identity and search luggage.
There has been an increase in the number of robberies at shopping centres in and around Johannesburg and Pretoria. While these have been mostly non-violent, visitors to big malls should remain vigilant at all times.
Crime rates are significantly higher after dark in the centres of major cities and in township areas. The inner suburbs of Johannesburg (Berea and Hillbrow) and the beachfront in Durban are particularly prone to crime and you should avoid travelling to these areas. As crime rates are generally high in the townships, you should only visit township areas with an organised tour run by a reputable company. You should also avoid isolated beaches, lookouts and picnic areas.
Due to the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.
When travelling by car, you should keep the doors locked, the windows up and valuables out of sight. Thieves posing as vendors or beggars target cars on highway off ramps, stopped at intersections and at traffic lights. Criminals can place debris on roads to stop vehicles. You should not stop to clear debris off the road.
Valuables such as cameras, mobile phones and jewellery should be kept out of sight, and you should exercise vigilance in public places. Bags and backpacks have been stolen in public places including restaurants and bars.
There is a luggage theft problem at Johannesburg and Cape Town airports. Use an airport plastic wrapping service when available and avoid placing electronics, jewellery, cameras and other valuables into checked luggage.
Theft from hotel rooms and guest homes is common, including within game parks.. Luggage and valuables should never be left unattended and should be placed in safekeeping facilities.
Criminals operate out of the airport in Johannesburg, following some overseas visitors to their accommodation and robbing them. We advise against accepting unsolicited assistance with transport when arriving at the airport in Johannesburg. Assaults and robberies have also taken place on local commuter and metro trains between Johannesburg and Pretoria, as well as on commuter trains in Cape Town.
Hikers have been attacked on tracks on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town. We recommend you walk in groups and do not carry valuables.
Commercial fraud scams are common in South Africa. If you receive a scam message, don't be fooled: if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Our information on international scams provides details on common commercial fraud scams. If you are a victim of a scam you should not travel to South Africa to seek restitution given the risk of physical assault from the perpetrators of such crimes. Fraud incidents may be reported to the Commercial Crimes Unit of the South African Police Service in Johannesburg, telephone +27 11 970 5300.
Bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes are operating from some African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual friendship develops, the Australian citizen may be asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. In some cases the relationship is terminated with very little chance that any funds can be recovered. In other cases, foreigners may be lured to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner and can become victims of crime including kidnapping, assault and robbery.
Civil unrest/political tension
There has been an increase in the number of attacks directed at refugees or immigrants from other African nations. These attacks have recently been centred in Kwa Mashu and Umlazi in Kwa Zulu Natal, as well as in the central business districts of Durban and Johannesburg. Most attacks are focused in low income neighbourhoods and informal settlements (townships), but some incidents have taken place elsewhere throughout the country. Both targeted victims and bystanders have been killed. Incidents of mob violence have occurred spontaneously and have been difficult for local authorities to control. Monitor the media for reports of such incidents and avoid areas where they are likely to take place.
Terrorism
Money and valuables
There are numerous ATMs in the major cities of South Africa, but
fewer in regional and rural areas. ATM scams and credit card fraud are
common. You should keep withdrawals from ATMs to a minimum and refuse
offers of help at ATMs. Criminals are known to loiter near ATMs waiting
for an opportunity to rob people withdrawing cash. Avoid ATMs that
open onto the street and instead use ATMs in controlled areas within
banks, shops and shopping centres. Secure all ATM and credit card
payment slips. Mobile phones and card skimmers have been used to copy
credit card details. Keep your credit card in sight at all times when
using it.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals
who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be
kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a
lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Review the general advice to Australian travellers for further information on being safe and prepared abroad."
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