On March 10, a Japanese traveler was the victim of a strangulation robbery in Johannesburg, where their wallet and smartphone were stolen.
- Incident Details: On March 10 (Sunday) at around 7:00 PM, a Japanese traveler was walking near Nugget Street in the Central Business District (CBD) of Johannesburg when they were attacked from behind by what appeared to be two individuals. The attackers strangled the victim and stole a wallet and smartphone from the victim’s pocket.
- Safety Measures:
- a. The CBD of Johannesburg, like the CBDs of Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) and Durban, is known for frequent robberies and thefts occurring both day and night. It is designated as a danger level 2 area (avoid non-essential travel). Refer to safety guides like the “South Africa Travel Safety Guide” to avoid unnecessary exposure.
- b. Many criminals in South Africa are unemployed and constantly looking for targets. You may be targeted based on your appearance, including clothing and accessories, or if you are seen with a smartphone or cash. Be aware that being noticeably Asian, including Japanese, makes you a more visible target. Adjust your behavior accordingly.
- c. If confronted with a weapon and demands for money or valuables, do not resist. Resisting increases the risk of being harmed by firearms or knives.
- d. Preemptively set up your smartphone to be remotely wiped if stolen, and keep emergency contact information for credit cards and other valuables. If you become a victim, immediately take measures to minimize further damage.
- e. Avoid walking in the streets at any time of day or night. Opt for vehicular transportation instead.
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