South Africa Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for South Africa
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated May 27, 2025
South Africa recorded 43.7 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places South Africa #7 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 45% over the past decade (from 30.1 in 2012). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates South Africa at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
43.7 /100k
Safety Rank
#189 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1994-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 45% over the past decade (from 30.1 in 2012). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How South Africa Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In South Africa, the homicide rate for men is 6.0× higher than the rate for women — 73.4 vs 12.2 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for South Africa:
Updated to reflect information on driving at night and addition of the terrorism risk indicator. Exercise increased caution in South Africa due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping . Advisory summary: Violent crime is common and includes robbery, rape, carjacking and mugging. There are also "smash-and-grab" attacks on vehicles.Violent crime is more common in the downtown areas of big cities, especially after dark. Kidnapping is a threat in South Africa. Kidnappers target U.S. citizens and other foreign travelers to steal money.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for South Africa
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated August 11, 2025).
Emergency phone numbers
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Dial 10111 for all emergencies. Dial +(27)(12) 431-4000 or 012-431-4000 to contact the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria and report crimes or emergencies (after calling local authorities). Embassy of South Africa Alerts
Civil unrest and demonstrations
Demonstrations happen often and are unpredictable. They often occur at or very near the U.S. embassy and consulates. Strikes and demonstrations can include: Burning of vehicles, buildings, or tires – which may serve as roadblocks. Throwing of rocks or other objects. Physical attacks. Interruptions of traffic and the supply of electricity, water, public transportation, fuel, and other goods and services. Periodic incidents of mob violence against refugees and immigrants from other African countries. Violent attacks against strike breakers or those perceived as such (during labor protests). Violent protests involving taxis and ridesharing services.
Safety tips
Avoid demonstrations and stay alert while traveling in the country. Exercise caution in tourist areas. Check local news and alerts.
Crime
Crime rates in South Africa are very high: Violent crimes happen in places where people live, work, travel, or go out. Crime can happen anywhere and at any time, even in and around Kruger National Park. This includes armed home invasions by criminal groups, which lead to assaults, rapes, and murders. Popular tourist spots and big hotels have their own security, but incidents still occur. Visitors and residents have been victims of armed robbery, rape, kidnapping, carjacking, mugging, and "smash-and-grab" thefts from vehicles. Car theft and hijacking are common, particularly in large cities. U.S. government staff and visitors have been robbed near diplomatic facilities. Theft can be bold and in broad daylight. Travelers and U.S. diplomats report cell phones being stolen from their hands. Also, thieves take purses and wallets from store counters while paying.
How to stay safe
U.S. citizens must always be aware of their surroundings: Use extreme caution at traffic lights and on or off ramps where cars slow down or stop. Consider getting your purchases delivered to your home or hotel (for a fee) to avoid the risk of being robbed outside high-end stores. Stay alert in the central business districts (CBDs) of major cities, especially after dark. Choose secure parking options and double check locked doors before leaving a parked car. Keep a low profile. Vary your daily routes and times.
Stay informed while traveling
Monitor local news and events. Messages are issued from the U.S. Embassy through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Register to receive alerts while traveling abroad. Regularly monitor travel information from the U.S Embassy in South Africa.
Victims of crime
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Dial 10111 to report crimes to the local police. Dial 012-431-4000 to contact the U.S. Embassy Pretoria. U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault or domestic violence may report crimes to the local police at 10111. U.S. citizens victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance. The U.S. Department of State provides information on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Help you report a crime to the police. Contact family or friends with your written consent. Provide a list of local attorneys (does not imply support). Inform you of victim’s compensation programs in the U.S. Issue an emergency loan for repatriation to the U.S. or limited medical support in cases of destitution. Replace a stolen or lost passport.
Personal safety
Throughout South Africa, U.S. citizens should: Avoid walking alone, especially after dark. Avoid displaying cash and valuables. Avoid vehicles transporting cash on the road, as well as at ATMs. Criminal gangs often target these vehicles. They ambush them with automatic weapons and explosives. Criminals frequently use remote jamming and signal interceptors with success. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location. Avoid driving during load shedding (temporary power outages). The roads can become very congested with no traffic signals. Slow-moving traffic provides opportunities for “smash and grab” theft. Avoid driving outside of metropolitan areas at night, due to road hazards such as animals, broken down vehicles, and the potential to become a victim of crime.
Student groups
Student groups have been robbed while doing outreach and community service in townships, despite coordinating with officials.
International scams
Internet romance and financial scams are common in South Africa. Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams and learn how the FBI can help.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
South Africa Population & Demographics
Population of 64,007,187, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is South Africa safe to visit?
The US State Department rates South Africa at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include terrorism. The homicide rate of 43.7 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in South Africa?
South Africa has an intentional homicide rate of 43.7 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #7 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for South Africa?
South Africa is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in South Africa compare to other countries?
South Africa's homicide rate of 43.7 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Africa average of 7.6.