UK issues SA crime list to soccer fans

2010 Soccer World Cup In South Africa Recipe For Disaster.

Tourists, soccer fans, beware, your life is in danger - there is no safe place in SA.



"The soccer fans that will crowd the stadiums are walking into a conflict zone. They will come to SA in a £25 million jet, and go home in a £25 box."
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South Africa is a hellhole of crime, do not visit while it remains the criminal infested hellhole it currently is. You have been warned.

UK issues SA crime list to soccer fans

From avoiding widespread ATM fraud to "prudently driving around stones in the middle of the road" put there by gun-toting hijackers. Highway robbers leave trail of terror - Motorist shot by hijackers in ambush

These travel tips are part of the comprehensive guide from the British Foreign Office (FO) made available for UK soccer fans, who will be visiting South Africa for the World Cup. UK fans warned about hijacking

Official advice from the FO warns visiting supporters on a variety of dangers, including armed muggings, card cloning and fake soccer tickets to a prevalent HIV/Aids pandemic, cholera flare-ups, and inflated accommodation prices. AIDS girls on World Cup game

And the alert button should be on from the moment fans land at OR Tambo International Airport, the guide tells UK fans. "During 2007 and 2008 there were a number of incidents involving foreigners being followed from OR Tambo International Airport in Joburg, to their destinations by car and then robbed, often at gunpoint," the official advice states. OR Tambo International Airport gangs 'target' arrivals

"We recommend you exercise particular caution in and around the airport and extra vigilance when driving away. British rugby fans robbed at gunpoint in South Africa

"As elsewhere, thieves like to operate at international airports, bus and railway stations. Keep your baggage with you at all times." Bag theft at OR Tambo Airport

Travel tips describe passport theft as "common", with 871 passports reported stolen between April 2008 and March 2009. "It is usually opportunist and non-violent, although some passports are taken during muggings." Confed team, fans robbed

Other advice includes staying completely clear of areas such as Berea and Hillbrow in Gauteng, hijacking possibilities on the roads to Kruger National Park and possible attacks on hikers around Table Mountain. Toronto couple stabbed while hiking in S. Africa‎ ; Canadian tourists stoned, stabbed and robbed while hiking in Cape Nature Reserve

The FO advice also states, "Be vigilant at all times in Durban's city centre and beachfront area. Tourists mugged and robbed in Durban after Test

"In all areas of South Africa, you should be cautious when out after dark.

"Streets, even in urban areas, are not brightly lit at night.

"If you are mugged or your car is hijacked, you should remain calm, offer no resistance and hand over possessions without question. Avoid eye contact."

And some of the travel tips in true, understated British style, comment on the hazards of driving on South African roads, where it is advised "the standard of driving in South Africa can vary greatly and there are many fatal accidents every year. South African roads one of the most dangerous in the world. On highways, it is well worth remembering that overtaking can occur in any lane including, occasionally, the hard shoulder." A time bomb in SA

And travel insurance is highly encouraged as "not having insurance could cost over £25 000 (R294 000) in medical bills and air evacuation, so ensure you're covered and with the high levels of crime, it is also important to insure any possessions".

Yet amid this long list of potential threats to life and limb in South Africa, the Foreign Office does include a few lines of comfort to their soccer-loving supporters.

"However, most cases of crime occur in the townships and in areas away from the main tourist destinations.

"The South African authorities give high priority to protecting tourists and the risk to visitors travelling to the main tourist destinations is low."

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