Crime in Durban

Of all the places we have visited in our many travels, Durban has the dubious distinction of being the place where the most people we know were mugged!

A trio of friends went for a stroll around 10 a.m. They didn’t get far before a couple of men ran up and attempted to steal one guy’s fanny pack.

As he struggled with his assailants, some locals came up and helped chase the attackers off.

None of the victims were walking alone, at night, or in areas that seemed “dodgy.” One attack occurred within sight of the ship, very close to the dock.

No one was hurt, at least, although one criminal put his hands around a woman’s neck as if to choke her. Scary!

Meanwhile at the beach, a woman had her cellphone snatched from her hands and she relaxed in the sun.

These are just a few of the muggings we heard about. All of them were in broad daylight!

We took the ship’s tour today, and they only let us off the bus once. Along the way, we passed sign after sign for “armed response” security companies.

Barbed wire and electric fences were on the perimeter of every apartment and house. Many had guards sitting at the entrance.

As we drove through the downtown, our guide said, “This is a bad part of town. Don’t go walking here.”

After all the stories I heard today, I certainly believe her!Read more