| It is unfortunately not just stories one gets to hear | | | | seconds you will lose anything lying open! Never have |
| about robberies, murder and other crime in South | | | | handbags next to you on the seat, and keep your |
| Africa. | | | | windows open by just about 5cm. This will |
| I know, I used to live in Johannesburg until August 2009! | | | | automatically make it more difficult to smash the |
| When visiting South Africa for the Soccer World Cup | | | | window (a trick the AA is giving out to South African |
| remember the following list of "things not to do"... | | | | drivers). |
| 1. Arriving at the airport can be quite overwhelming as | | | | 6. If you are driving at night in a city, there is an |
| you will find a strange mix of European flair and | | | | unwritten rule you can follow...especially if you are a |
| sounds mixed with strong African influences. In case | | | | woman...any robot with absolutely no traffic coming |
| you are not being collected by someone known to | | | | from any direction can be treated as a four way stop |
| you, be aware of the fact that only black guys in a | | | | (I never stopped at night anywhere if not necessary), |
| marked uniform and a badge on them should handle | | | | of course very carefully! |
| your luggage. Don't trust any civilian trying to be helpful | | | | 7. If you have the feeling of being followed, keep |
| with taxis and directions! | | | | driving, don't stop under any circumstances, even if it is |
| 2. Still at the airport, make sure you don't have too | | | | an unmarked police car with a blue light. Call 10111 and |
| much visible and expensive looking jewellery and | | | | ask to be directed to the next police station! |
| watches showing. Don't get me wrong, but you are | | | | 8. There are lots of beautiful markets all over the |
| making yourself a target. There has been cases of | | | | country, and especially in Johannesburg and Capetown. |
| people being followed from the airport and being | | | | Don't walk with a backpack or a shoulder bag. There |
| hijacked and robbed on their way to th hotel or home. | | | | is quite a few tricksters around who will slice your bag |
| 3. In case you decide to drive yourself in South Africa, | | | | open without you even noticing! |
| there is unfortunately a whole lot of things to watch | | | | 9. Last and most important advice...if you are being |
| out for... | | | | robbed, assaulted or threatened, DON'T BE A DEAD |
| 4. Don't drive with your windows down in any city | | | | HERO! DO WHATEVER IS ASKED! Don't look at |
| center. You will see quite a number of beggars or | | | | their faces, they don't want you to be able to identify |
| salesmen rushing around at robots, and not all of them | | | | them! |
| are up to good. A good friend of mine lost his gold | | | | It feels terrible to write all these horrible notes, |
| necklace that way, ripped off by a sweet little boy | | | | especially since South Africa is such a beautiful |
| asking for some cents. | | | | country with so many warm and loving people living |
| 5. Another problem at robots is window smashing. | | | | there. |
| Most of the time its being done with spark plugs as | | | | Enjoy your trip, let it be an unforgettable one...for the |
| they will make your window shatter right away. In | | | | right reasons! |