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

Safety rating

Moderate
2.8 /5

Women living in South Africa consider the safety level to be moderate, with an overall safety rating of 2.8 out of 5.

Crime rating

Moderate
3.4 /5

Women living in South Africa consider the crime rate to be moderate, with an overall crime rating of 3.4 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 55 experiences

Safety rating:

2.8/5Moderate

Safety walking alone after dark:

1.5/5Very Unsafe

Safety using public transport:

2.3/5Unsafe

Crime rate:

3.4/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually harassed:

2.8/5Moderate

Worries of being sexually assaulted or raped:

3/5Moderate

Worries of being physically attacked:

2.7/5Moderate

Worries of home broken and things stolen:

2.7/5Moderate

Worries of being mugged or robbed:

3.2/5Moderate

Worries of being kidnapped or murdered:

2.6/5Moderate

How safe is South Africa?

Johannesburg

It is important to find out about safer neighborhoods. Not all areas are safe in Johannesburg. Don't walk alone at night. If you use Uber and go to populated safer areas, your trip can still be very nice and safe.

Posted: May 10, 2025
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Maia

Maia

Cape Town

Listen is all realness Cape town is so beautiful here but the crime here is like 50/50 in some places its not so bad but please be aware of your surroundings and what your around and who your around, i stay in plattekloof and most people consider it safe but then again ive gotten mugged at the duck pond before, just stay aware ladies always carry something to protect yourselfs💗🤞🏻

Posted: May 7, 2025
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Johannesburg

Johannesburg is a complex city. You have to know where and where not to go and hot to behave in this city in order not to be a victim of crime. I have lived here my whole life so I know how to navigate the city and ensure that my friends visiting from overseas are safe.

Posted: May 5, 2025
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Cape Town

Capetown is safe in all tourist destinations, although there are some locations you shouldn't go by yourself but in all my stay ofnore than 8 year living in the southern suburbs of Capetown and exploring the city I've never encountered any robbery of some sort or felt not safe

Posted: May 1, 2025
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South Africa

South Africa is safe if you know where to go and have someone to show you where to go. However as a tourist and a solo female traveller, I would recommend being with some who is a local to show you where you can and commit go as a tourist so that you can know which areas to avoid.

Posted: March 18, 2025
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Is South Africa worth visiting?

Travel rating

4.6 /5

based on 55 experiences from female travelers

Maia

Maia

South Africa

Plettenberg Bay, Couple travel

Honestly it really depends what area your in but the majority of pletternburg bay is GORGEOUS, i really recommend going to the Tsala Lodge resort in the peninsula it is absolutely gorgeous they take such good care of you and the food is amazing🤞🏻

Posted: May 7, 2025Experienced: March, 2025
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Meet locals in South Africa

Thato

Thato

About Me

Just a girl's girl looking to meet new people and show them around. I spend all my time at work, home or the gym. So I'm looking for new friends.

Speaking

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Naomi

Naomi

About Me

Hey there! I’m Naomi — a passionate filmmaker, storyteller, and all-around adventurer. I love exploring new places, meeting inspiring people, and sharing authentic experiences. I’m friendly, respectful, and value meaningful connections wherever I go. I’m currently navigating some life twists, so I’m looking for safe, welcoming spaces where I can recharge and maybe swap stories over a good cup of tea. If you’re up for some genuine conversation, creative vibes, and a bit of laughter, I’d love to connect! Looking forward to meeting amazing women who inspire and support each other on this wild journey called life. 💫

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 2.8 out of 5.

Is South Africa safe to walk alone at night?

Women living in South Africa consider walking alone at night to be relatively unsafe, with an overall safety rating of 1.5 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 2.3 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 3.4 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 2.8 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 2.7 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 2.7 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 3.2 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.