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Originally Posted by Crawford
JoBurg crime, if we can believe the figures, and if they're apples-to-apples comparable (both big ifs) has comparable crime to the worst American cities across the entire metro.
So JoBurg is probably a lot more dangerous than any U.S. city. Again, this is all speculative, because I doubt we could really do a solid comparison. But if JoBurg crime follows U.S. patterns, then if the metro area is as dangerous as a Detroit or NOLA, then the poor urban core must be many times more dangerous than a Detroit or NOLA (because high crime city propers are relatively small portions of their metros).
But, in any case, I would visit JoBurg, and probably explore these neighborhoods, though would take reasonable caution. The chances of something happening are still probably pretty slim, especially if you're clearly a visitor.
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I'd agree with that analysis completely. The crime is definitely worse than most American metros. But it is also concentrated in certain areas. The CBD and Townships, mostly. The former is heavily policed in areas now and getting a lot better. With the exception of Soweto I don't think the same is true for the Townships. I wouldn't go to Tembisa unless I had to.
As with many place too, violent crime is usually targeted. The reason Cape Town has a horrific murder rate is gang warfare. You don't see that in the central city at all. In Joburg crime is most likely to be getting your phone stolen after flashing it in a bad area. You are more at risk for worse things but it's unlikely it will happen.
Quote:
Originally Posted by McBane
Great thread, loved the commentary and looking forward to seeing Cape Town.
I've never been but obviously the crime is a huge thing. I don't want to dispute the "it's not that bad" chirping. But over the years, I've met many people from SA - all of whom moved out due to crime. A good number of whom were victims of violent crimes (robbed at gun point, things like that).
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Yeah I know a lot of former South Africans in Canada who moved for the same reason. It's hard to deny it's a thing, but keep in mind that crime was FAR worse during the immediate post-apartheid era when most people left. We are talking twice as bad. Some of the areas in my photo tour were straight up a no-go zone doing those years, even for the police.