Scam in South AfricaTheft
Street robbery and robbery on walking trails in South Africa
How it works
An attacker threatens you and takes your belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies also occur on Table Mountain footpaths in Cape Town.
Warning signs
- Your route becomes deserted, especially after dark.
- Someone insists that you follow them.
- You are walking alone on an isolated trail.
How to avoid it
- Use a taxi or ride-hailing service after dark.
- Stay on reasonably busy streets.
- Ask hotel staff which areas and routes to avoid.
- Walk in the mountains with at least four people.
If it happens to you
Do not resist or try to negotiate. Surrender your valuables and avoid looking the attacker in the eye. Reach safety and report the robbery to police immediately.
- Get to safety. During a robbery, do not resist, negotiate or chase the attacker.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. If your phone is missing, secure its accounts and mobile service.
- Save receipts, booking details, messages and photographs. Write down the time, place and what happened.
- Report theft, robbery or fraud to police as soon as possible. Ask for a report reference.
- Tell the relevant airline, hotel, transport operator or rental company. Contact your embassy if your passport was stolen.
- Contact your insurer and card issuer about any claim or disputed payment. Keep copies of all reports and correspondence.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Government advice2026Safety and security - South Africa travel advice - GOV.UKThe UK reports violent attacks and muggings against hikers and foreign tourists in Table Mountain National Park, including Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.Read on Government advice
- News2025Three suspects arrested shortly after robbing two European tourists - Arrive AlivePolice reportedly arrested three suspects after two European tourists were assaulted and robbed of a phone and money on Durban’s beachfront.Read on News
Questions
What is the street robbery and robbery on walking trails scam in South Africa?
An attacker threatens you and takes your belongings. Weapons may be involved. Robberies also occur on Table Mountain footpaths in Cape Town.
How can I spot it early?
Your route becomes deserted, especially after dark. Someone insists that you follow them. You are walking alone on an isolated trail.
How do I avoid street robbery and robbery on walking trails in South Africa?
Use a taxi or ride-hailing service after dark. Stay on reasonably busy streets. Ask hotel staff which areas and routes to avoid. Walk in the mountains with at least four people.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Do not resist or try to negotiate. Surrender your valuables and avoid looking the attacker in the eye. Reach safety and report the robbery to police immediately.
Where in South Africa does this happen?
Deserted streets, unsafe areas and isolated walking routes, including Table Mountain footpaths
How common is this scam in South Africa?
Common. Theft, street cons and tourist overcharging are real concerns in South Africa, though most visitors have a trouble-free stay. Watch for airport taxi touts, hidden exchange fees, unwanted ATM help and inflated souvenir prices. Pickpocketing, baggage theft, smash-and-grab theft and armed robbery also need care.
Are there similar scams in South Africa?
Yes: airport baggage theft, pickpocketing, car theft.
Who can I report it to?
Police: report robbery, theft or fraud promptly. Go to a police station once safe and ask for a report reference. Card issuer or bank: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to freeze or cancel a missing card and report payments you did not make. ATM operator: if your card becomes stuck, contact the helpline displayed at the ATM for assistance. Contact your card issuer as well to cancel the card. Airline or airport staff: report baggage theft as soon as you notice it. Keep baggage tags, flight details and photographs of damage. Accommodation or transport operator: report the incident to staff or the booking provider. Provide receipts, booking details and a clear account of what happened. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's embassy or consulate if your passport is stolen or you need consular help. Travel insurer: use the contact details in your policy. Keep police reports, receipts and evidence of the loss.
What number do I call in an emergency in South Africa?
Netcare 911 emergency assistance contact: +27 11 254-1927, ER24 emergency assistance, domestic number: 084 124.
Reviewed by @snuck