Is South Africa Safe for Women? Crime Rate in South Africa

Safety rating

Moderate
2.5 /5

Women living in South Africa consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Crime rating

Moderate
3.1 /5

Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.1 out of 5.

Violence rating

7%

On average 7% percentage of women in South Africa have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner at some time in their life, according to OECD Data.

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Crime & Safety Statistics

Based on 26 experiences

Safety rating:

2.5/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

1.4/5Very Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

2/5Unsafe

Crime rate:

3.1/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.7/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

3/5Moderate

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.8/5Moderate

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

3/5Moderate

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

3.4/5Moderate

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

2.6/5Moderate

Is South Africa safe for women?

Cape Town

Cape Town has pockets of safe spots. Going out after dark by yourself as a solo traveler let alone a female is NOT advisable. Also choose very carefully which hostel or hotel you decide to stay in if you’re unable to find a suitable host. Because not all reviews online are necessarily accurate. And when it comes to your safety. That’s of paramount importance. Take care and extra precautions!

Posted: October 20, 2024
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Tzaneen

It's a small little town but would rate the crime similar to big cities. No worries about anyone stealing your things or being mugged but would not walk in town alone at night. Daytime is perfectly fine to do whatever. I have never experienced crime here before...

Posted: September 3, 2024
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Marlien

Marlien

Upington

It is fairly safe but you still need to be caucious of your surroundings and avoid certain areas especially after dark. There is no real public transport available and hiring a car would probably be your best option for getting around.

Posted: September 1, 2024
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Cape Town

Cape Town can be unsafe in specific areas and safer in other areas. I have lived in Cape Town my whole life this I’m aware and will tell you which areas to avoid. I can also travel around with you to make it more safe. It is known as a very dangerous city but as I mentioned earlier there are safe areas and dangerous areas.

Posted: August 18, 2024
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South Africa

It’s such an incredible country. And I don’t want to deter people because it definitely is safe enough to travel to and explore. But generally you need to be really careful. I would say, especially as a girl, I always have fear in the back of my mind.

Posted: July 14, 2024
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Durban

Durban is a warm & sunny city that has so many incredible wits about it. Many people are friendly and are so happy to help! Be mindful of pickpocketing. Be mindful of not taking public transport, rather take an Uber and share you trip with someone. Nights out are best done alongside people, know your surroundings well and you’ll have the best time!

Posted: July 8, 2024
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Jeffreys Bay

Jeffreys Bay is relatively safe during the day. Avoid walking alone at night. Keep your personal belongings on your body because there is petty crime. Do not leave your belongings on the beach when you go for a swim in the ocean.

Posted: June 30, 2024
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South Africa

South Africa has its unsafe areas. There are some areas where you can find peace. But everywhere you go it's best to watch your vicinity. Well, overall you choose the places to visit carefully too. If you want to visit South Africa please feel free to ask me for advise. I'm willing to help but it's not guaranteed to be 100% safe! Sometimes you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time which can happen anywhere in the world.

Posted: June 30, 2024
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Neo

Neo

Cape Town

Cape Town is mostly fine during the day, especially in the more bougie, gentrified areas. People will catcall you as you’re walking down the street, but apart from that there is very little likelihood of anyone actually confronting you. Once it gets dark it’s a different story… Don’t travel alone, don’t do silly things like leave your door open to the street and don’t leave your belongings unattended. I do know a fair number of people who have been mugged at night, my boyfriend got attacked by someone wielding a panga walking home from a club, and I’ve had things stolen out of my house because I left my window open and they just reached in and grabbed it. Our criminals are not smart, and most crimes are crimes of opportunity. As long as you are sensible, you should be fine :)

Posted: June 8, 2024
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Cape Town

It’s dependent on the area, people who havent travelled to Cape Town before should ensure that they are aware of the town they are staying in to ensure it’s considered a moderately safe environment. Some areas are more dangerous than others, however caution should be taken regardless.

Posted: June 6, 2024
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Meet locals in South Africa

khanyisa

khanyisa

About Me

My name is Khanyisa ☺️ I am 31 years old from Cape Town, South Africa. I love to meet people, travel and making connections. My passion is spirituality and healing ❤️‍🩹 exploring the psychedelic healing space at the moment. Looking forward to making new friends 🤍

Speaking

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Samara

Samara

About Me

Explorer by nature, love people, learning and experiencing new things.

Speaking

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Safety in South Africa

Frequently asked questions

Is South Africa safe?

Women living in South Africa consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.5 out of 5.

Is South Africa safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in South Africa consider walking alone at night to be very unsafe, with an overall safety rating of 1.4 out of 5

Is public transport safe in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider public transport to be relatively unsafe, with an overall safety rating of 2 out of 5.

What is the crime rate in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.1 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually harassed in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of being sexually harassed to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.7 out of 5.

What is the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of being sexually assaulted or raped to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 3 out of 5.

What is the risk of being physically attacked in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of being physically attacked to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.8 out of 5.

What is the risk of burglary in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of burglary to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 3 out of 5.

What is the risk of being mugged or robbed in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of being mugged or robbed to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 3.4 out of 5.

What is the risk of being kidnapped or murdered in South Africa?

Women living in South Africa consider the risk of being kidnapped or murdered to be moderate, with an overall risk rating of 2.6 out of 5.