Israel’s Foreign Ministry issues travel advisory to South Africa over high crime rate
Israel’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday issued a travel advisory to South Africa cautioning Israeli travellers about visiting the townships because of the high crime rate in the country.
According to Africa Check, the rate of murder, sexual offences and assault has risen in South Africa.
The number of murders in South African increased from 20,336 in 2017/18 to 21,022 in 2018/19. On average, 58 people were murdered every day.
The number of reported sexual offences increased to 52,420 in 2018/19 from 50,108 in 2017/18. Most of these were cases of rape.
When South Africa’s crime statistics for 2018/19 were released by the police in September 2019, South African Minister of Police Bheki Celetold told parliament that the statistics were “not very rosy.”
In the travel advisory, the Foreign Ministry said that the crime rate in South Africa was “high.”
“Violent crimes are common and also target tourists. The majority of criminal cases are concentrated in townships and in crowded areas, including shopping centres, especially in the evenings and after dark,” the ministry warned.
The ministry recommended that visitors to South Africa exercise caution and stay away from poverty-stricken areas and dark or isolated places.
Because of rape and violence against women, it is recommended that women not walk alone.
The ministry said it is advisable not to carry large sums of money, as well as valuable jewellery or objects.
“Due to ATM fraud, be sure to hide the secret code when withdrawing money and, if possible, withdraw directly from the bank,” the statement says.
The ministry’s travel advisories usually relate to terror threats.
TPS
