Johannesburg Warning

[BRICKBURN]

Any mention if the driver was armed?

No mention of him being armed. They left him for dead in the middle of the road.

 

[BRICKBURN]

This occurred 2 weeks before my arrival in camp. Besides what listed in the article they made off with a ton of Leica equipment (they are a Leica Safari Lodge and demo Leica equipment during your stay)

https://southafricatoday.net/south-...ge-manager-survives-attack-by-five-armed-men/

Lodge manager survives attack by five armed men
Censorbugbear

July 31, 2016

Manager Marie Steyn of the Kalahari Rangers Lodge in Kuruman near McCarthy’s Rest border was attacked by five black gunmen.

Police Spokesperson Sergio Kock said that five armed men entered the lodge around 00:30 on Sunday morning and pointed a gun at lodge manager Marie Steyn. The perpetrators forced her to open up the safe. The men fled with an undisclosed amount of money, a hunting rifle, a mobile phone, and a white Ford Ranger after tying up the 47-year-old woman onto a chair.

Steyn managed to untie herself and fled in a vehicle to get help. She drove through wire until she joined the highway. About 3 Km away from the Johan Olivier’s farm the vehicle broke down. Steyn proceeded on foot to get help.
Steyn said the men all wore balaclavas.

The vehicle in which the five men escaped was found on Wednesday afternoon, near Kuruman and the police are investigating a charge of severe armed robbery. Anyone with information about the suspects can contact Ao. Kobus Bothma on number 082-454-3899.

South Africa Today – South Africa News

I throw that one in the category of a farm attack. Bloody sad really.

 

[enysse]

I have never felt threatened at Tambo.

 

[Wheels]

South Africa anti hijacking devise.

 

[Wheels]

Bummer it won't work. It's a flame thrower that the driver can activate if being hijacked.

 

[firehuntfish]

No mention of him being armed. They left him for dead in the middle of the road.

My point to the question being that any escort, PH or otherwise, who is open carrying a sidearm and likely carrying a rifle in the bakkie would be the strongest deterrent in my opinion.... PHs arriving to pick up clients at the airport with a .45 in plain sight on a hip holster is not going to be the prime target to follow from the airport to rob.

Without question, I take safety when traveling very seriously, and I always recommend that folks traveling to Africa learn the facts and do the same. Even here is the safest cities in North America, armored cars and banks with armed guards get robbed nearly everyday. RSA does not have the market cornered on these types of crimes. My concern is that this will get blown out of proportion much like the Ebola scare a couple of years back.

The US State Department website has a written warning for travelers on their RSA page that has been posted for years. Of course these warnings should be taken seriously, but they are not news... https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/south-africa.html

Common sense, and proper planning utilizing reputable outfits who are aware and prepared will go a long way towards safety when traveling through Jo'burg. For those who have upcoming safaris planned, it may not be a a bad idea to contact your outfitter to inquire how they are prepared to handle your safety, but I would not cancel a safari over it just yet...

 

[BRICKBURN]

.............My concern is that this will get blown out of proportion much like the Ebola scare a couple of years back.
...........

That would be most operators concerns.

I would not have any issue about picking up my own rental at ORTambo and driving myself. As you noted, there are places to avoid anywhere you travel.

This is my favorite from 2015. They rob a SABC TV Crew while they are filming.
Not the brightest bulbs on the Christmas tree. They got 15 years in jail for this one.

 

[billc]

using common sense will take anyone a long way when they travel over to jo-berg. No worse then any other area know to have some problems. Be careful but no need to be scared to go.

 

[wesheltonj]

using common sense will take anyone a long way when they travel over to jo-berg. No worse then any other area know to have some problems. Be careful but no need to be scared to go.

At least in Rio they let you check into your hotel before they rob you & the hotels' safety deposit box.

 

[BRICKBURN]

At least in Rio they let you check into your hotel before they rob you & the hotels' safety deposit box.

They are just a little more efficient in Joburg.

 

[SafariA]

Attached a short piece that might help .... http://ortambo-airport.com/travelguide/safety.php


South Africa Travel Guide - Safety Advice

General Safety Advice: Crime in South Africa, like many other places in today's world, can be a problem, but all you need to do is take the usual sensible precautions and follow some basic safety rules.

Know where you're going before you set off, particularly at night, watch your possessions, don't walk alone in dodgy areas and lock your doors at night, and, like anywhere else, there are some areas of the major cities that are known to be more risky than others. It is easy to avoid these areas and still have a good time.

If you cannot avoid such areas, then don't wear visible jewellery or carry cameras and bags over your shoulder. Limit the amount of money you carry on you and keep mobile phones and wallets tucked away where no one can see them. Check beforehand that the areas you plan to visit are safe by asking hotel staff or police. Tour Operators: Only use reputable tour operators and travel and transport services. If you're not sure, ask your hotel to recommend a service provider for you or contact the National Tourism Information and Safety Line on 083 123 2345.

Hotel safety: Never leave your luggage and other possessions unattended. Know where your things are.

Remember to store valuables in the safety deposit box and keep your room locked at all times.

Don't leave your room keys lying around; rather hand the key in at the desk when you leave. ATM safety: When using automatic teller machines (ATMs) in South Africa, practice the generally accepted safety precautions you would employ when at home.

Never accept an offer from a stranger to help you with your transaction. Be alert and watch that no one steals your card when you turn your back.

If your ATM card is withheld by the machine, approach the bank to release it, or call the helpline number that can be found at the ATM.

When using a credit card in restaurants, ask the waiter to bring a portable credit card machine to your table. Report stolen or lost cards immediately.


Driving Safety: When driving a private vehicle, either borrowed or hired, take some simple precautions to avoid car hijackings or "smash-and-grabs".

As a driver, be on the alert when coming to a halt at traffic lights or stop streets, as well as when arriving at or leaving any premises. Car doors should always be locked, and valuables are better kept in the boot or under the seats.

Plan your route beforehand. Make sure the map you consult is a current one.

When parking at night, choose well-lit or security-patrolled parking areas. Street security guards will usually ask whether they can watch over your car, and in return should be paid a small fee - anything from R5 upwards.

Other sensible advice is not to hitchhike, or don't accept or carry items for strangers.

 

[PARA45]

Common sense, and awareness of your surroundings are key to any place or anywhere you may find yourself visiting.

 

[Brent in Az]

I will just bring Chuck Norris with me.

 

[Philip Glass]

Stay at City Lodge or the Intercontinental and DO NOT Go into Johannesburg!
Regards
Philip

 

[fourfive8]

Stay at City Lodge or the Intercontinental and DO NOT Go into Johannesburg!
Regards
Philip

Yep, no matter how many times I recommend it or others recommend it.... seems to fall on deaf ears. So easy and safe and handy and stress free to stay at City Lodge. It may cost more than "such and such Lodge" in town somewhere that you need get to on your own, but cost measured against what??? Unless you are being picked up by your PH or outfitter, nothing to gain by having a go at overnighting on your own away from airport in town.

 

[Philip Glass]

Yep, no matter how many times I recommend it or others recommend it.... seems to fall on deaf ears. So easy and safe and handy and stress free to stay at City Lodge. It may cost more than "such and such Lodge" in town somewhere that you need get to on your own, but cost measured against what??? Unless you are being picked up by your PH or outfitter, nothing to gain by having a go at overnighting on your own away from airport in town.

Totally agree. Last time I was there it was $140 including breakfast! This Kay time I stayed at Intercontinental because I had points to use. Both are right there!
Regards
Philip

 

[Red Leg]

Done them both - could not be more convenient. Did have a bit of adventure at City Lodge one trip where the youth organization of the ANC was holding a convention the same time my son and I were there. Lots of flags and black berets, but large gun cases seemed to get us through the crowd. Bought a couple of kids a beer at the bar and had an interesting dialogue on the future of socialism. This was before Bernie Sanders - maybe they were right after all.

 

[Brent in Az]

The very mention of Bernie Sanders makes my skin crawl. I imagine SA has its own version of socialist politicians

 

[Desperatezulu]

Adding my 2c to the pile - as an inhabitant of JHB and a regular traveler through OR Tambo...

The chatter within my company is that 'most' of these robberies/hijackings are focused on travelers to and from African countries north of here. Availability of currency is a real issue in places like Zim and DRC (DRC is one of the few countries north of here with any real foreign investment seemingly going on, driven by the big mineral resources there). USD are accepted with alacrity in those countries so most business travelers to African countries will be carrying significant amounts of USD cash (with banking systems virtually imploding in most of these countries, instruments like travelers cheques or cash cards are long extinct. Cash is king!). Logically, the robbers focus on these travelers, particularly as exchange control regulations in SA mean that possessing foreign currency without reserve bank approval is illegal for locals - so the victims may have a difficult time explaining themselves to the authorities.

There is talk of inside jobs, which is easy to believe with the cargo heists etc, where personnel either working in the airport or on certain airlines operating between African countries, advise spotters of likely marks. This message supposedly gets passed on to the hijackers.
I have to add that security in the form of police presence and regular roadblocks to/from ORT has very evidently been stepped up in the past few months, so I think these incidents are very isolated but make headlines for obvious reasons. We have numerous people traveling throughout the region on a daily basis and none have had any issues that I've heard of.

On an unrelated but similar vein to all of our hunting visitors, it is really not necessary to identify yourself as a hunter by wearing your shiny new camos, Winchester/Weatherby/Remington branded cap & shirt, and luggage, guncases etc festooned with hunting stickers. Bear in mind what I've written above - if there are spotters, you do not want to be noticed by them. So save your hardcore hunting garb for the hunt. I know most AH members won't fall into this category but if you have family or friends who are a little naïve, please encourage them to tone it down.
I get that some hunters are travelling light without a vast selection of clothes but neutral olive/khaki clothes work just as well as camo and won't earmark you as a (wealthy) hunter in the airport.

Be sensible and aware and you will be fine! Having a meet & greet service won't hurt either.

 

[firehuntfish]

Yep, no matter how many times I recommend it or others recommend it.... seems to fall on deaf ears. So easy and safe and handy and stress free to stay at City Lodge. It may cost more than "such and such Lodge" in town somewhere that you need get to on your own, but cost measured against what??? Unless you are being picked up by your PH or outfitter, nothing to gain by having a go at overnighting on your own away from airport in town.

I can't say that I agree completely here, with "on your own" being the key phrase... Staying at one of the airport adjacent lodgings is definitely a convenient option, but certainly not the only safe option.... There are several very reputable guest houses that offer meet & greet service and private transportation straight to the guest house as a standard inclusion. Many of these in fact, are less than a 10 minute drive away from the terminal.

The Africa Sky & Afton for example, are both located in gated communities with 24 hour manned private security. They also happen to be self-enclosed behind an 8' concrete perimeter wall with electric fence (like nearly every other property in Jo'burg).... These guest houses also offer a bundle of services including rifle import assist, VIP meet & greet, and luggage storage for their guests making them both very attractive and very secure options. But, I do agree that making a go of it "on your own" from the airport is not an option I have ever, or would ever recommend.