South Africa: Security awareness for travellers to Nelspruit

(2012-10-11) The following information was processed by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security after a meeting with the Provincial Commander of the Police for Mpumalanga. FACTS - Locals look at tourists and the perception is that they carry valuables; thieves perceive these valuables than can be easily sold if stolen. - The most common modalities of crime are housebreaking, robberies on vehicles, carjacking and street crime (the most common). - Criminals use wireless electronic devices to keep the targeted vehicle unlocked. The devices work as a remote control and is activated while the owner locks it with the alarm remote, it remains unlocked and the criminals go to steal what is inside once the owner leaves. It is common in shopping malls. - Criminals observe and follow people who got cash from ATM machines with the aim of assaulting them. - Sometimes thieves work in combination with various techniques; one of them is disguise with street vendors or beggars in traffic lights, if they see something interesting in the vehicle they put some signal like bubble gum in the front shield then, in the following traffic light the thieves see it and steal if the windows are opened. - There is a monthly newspaper in Komatipoort called “The Borderpost” that contains good advices in English and Portuguese. - There are Tourist Safety Monitors deployed in the city whose mission is to help visitors; they wear vest and badge and work from 07:30 to 16:00 hours; although they are not police personnel their safety advice is very important. ADVICE - Do not leave valuables, documents, packages visible inside the vehicle. If you have to leave something inside put it in the trunk or somewhere not visible. Remember the thieves are observing. - Lock the vehicle and check all doors before leaving it, especially in shopping malls and public places. - Do not open totally the windows of your vehicle when stop for traffic light or other causes. - There are leaflets issued by the Police for tourists and visitors. Do follow their advises, they are in 3 languages including Portuguese. - Guards at shopping malls and parking lots are usually checked, tipping them or showing friendly attitude when asked to keep your vehicle is a good practice. - Check for “The Borderpost” monthly newspaper when in Komatipoort. - If you use a GPS never leave it visible when you leave the vehicle, you’d better take it with you. - AVOID Brown Street, Currie Street and all the area of the bus terminal (close to Samora Machel drive) especially the street traders - Be careful when getting cash from ATM machines, do it only in safe establishments and in daytime. - It is safer to stay at hotels in town instead of lodges in the outskirts unless recommended; crime at hotels and lodges is rare but possible. - To report incidents to the local Police use the following numbers: Police Call Centre: 10111 Police land line: 013 751 6000 Police mobile number: 076 731 6431 Nelspruit Police Station: 013 759 1008 (Source: United Nations Department of Safety and Security) Club of Mozambique