South Africa: Robbery Incident Involving Japanese Nationals

On January 26 and 30, 2024, robbery incidents involving Japanese nationals occurred in Durban’s Central Business District (CBD) and Johannesburg’s CBD, respectively.

1. Incident Summary

1. On January 26 (Friday) at around 4:00 PM, a Japanese national walking from Seaside to a hotel near Durban’s CBD entered a deserted street and was ambushed from both sides by two men armed with knives. The assailants stole a shoulder bag containing a passport, smartphone, cash, and credit cards.
2. On January 30 (Tuesday) at around 3:00 PM, a Japanese national walking near Commissioner Street in Johannesburg’s CBD was attacked from behind by a group of 3-4 individuals. They choked the victim, who lost consciousness, and then stole cash and other items.

2. Safety Recommendations

1. The CBD areas of Durban and Johannesburg are known for high rates of robbery and theft, occurring day and night. They, along with the CBD of Tshwane (formerly Pretoria), are designated as Level 2 danger zones (avoid non-essential travel). Refer to safety guides like the “South Africa Travel Safety Handbook” and avoid unnecessary exposure to these areas.
2. Many criminals in South Africa are unemployed and target individuals for theft. Appearance, such as clothing and accessories, can attract attention. Displaying smartphones or cash can make you a target. Be aware that Asians, including Japanese, may stand out due to their appearance. Act with this awareness in mind.
3. If confronted with a weapon and demanded to surrender your belongings, do not resist. Resistance significantly increases the risk of being harmed with firearms or knives.
4. Avoid walking in the streets at any time of day or night; use a car for transportation.
5. Set up your smartphone to be remotely wiped if stolen, keep emergency contact details for credit cards, and take preventative measures. If you are a victim, act immediately to halt card usage and minimize damage.

3. In case of an incident or accident, report it to the police and inform the nearest embassy or consulate with the details of the incident.