🛡️ Crime Pattern Library
How the most common South African crimes actually work — and the concrete steps to avoid and survive them.
Hijacking traps, home invasions, street muggings, extortion rackets, GBV and SIM-swap robbery. Knowledge is your first line of defence. Save the Emergency contacts page too.
Roadside & vehicle
Car hijacking — "nail in tyre" & roadside traps
Hijackers puncture a tyre or place obstacles (bricks, boxes, a parked car, someone "stranded") to make you stop in a quiet spot, then strike when you pull over — often pretending to help.
How to avoid: Only stop in well-lit public areas or a police station / garage forecourt, never on a lonely shoulder. Keep doors locked and windows up; keep a gap to drive away; if the "helper" looks wrong, drive past to a safe area before checking the tyre.
If it happens: Stay calm, don't resist, comply with demands for the car/keys. Keep hands visible. Do NOT drive off with them inside. Get to a safe place and call 10111.
Related keywords
hijack, hijacking, puncture, flat tyre, roadblock, stranded, acid
Home & neighbourhood
Home invasion / house robbery
Burglars stage a distraction (someone selling goods, a "job seeker", water/power "inspector" requesting entry, a crying baby, or knocking to ask for help) to get the door opened, then a second person forces entry. Many invasions follow victims home from malls/ATMs.
How to avoid: Never open to strangers; use a viewing window/spyhole and a chain. Verify "officials" via the provider before opening. Be alert when returning home — if a car seems to follow you, drive to a police station or busy garage. Install beams/motion lights and keep phones charged.
If it happens: Do not resist physically; money and items are replaceable, your life isn't. Keep hands visible and tell intruders where you are. If possible quietly dial 112. Afterwards, do not touch the scene — call 10111 for SAPS to collect evidence.
Related keywords
house robbery, home invasion, break in, servants, municipal inspector, following me
Street & public spaces
Street mugging / snatching
Pickpockets and muggers target phones, bags, earphones and cash on pavements, ATMs and public transport — sometimes with a "bump" or someone asking for money/distracting you while a partner grabs.
How to avoid: Keep phone out of sight on the street; don't use headphones that announce a valuable device. Keep cash in front pockets, bag zipped and worn to the front in crowds. Withdraw cash inside the bank, not at a street ATM. Vary your routine and avoid empty shortcuts after dark.
If it happens: Give up valuables without a fight — the phone can be replaced. Note a tall/pants/jacket/tattoo description, direction of escape, and licence plates. Report to SAPS and your network provider to block the SIM immediately.
Related keywords
mugging, snatch, pickpocket, phone thief, ATM robber, street robbery
Extortion & business targets
Extortion / "amathandana" protection rackets
Criminals or gangs demand money from informal traders, taxi ranks, spaza shops and small businesses for "protection", threatening violence or shutting the business if refused. Targets are often reluctant to report for fear of reprisal.
How to avoid: Report to SAPS (Crime Stop 08600 10111) — reporting is anonymous. Join a local business forum or community safety group for support, and keep the shop/camera footage of demands. Do not pay long-term "protection" — it invites repeat demands.
If it happens: Get a case number. If threatened, tell police and a trusted contact. Consider temporarily diversifying cash handling so you're not an easy target. Never hand over money silently without a record — secure evidence.
Related keywords
extortion, protection, amathandana, rent, business tax, shakedown
Against the person
Domestic violence / GBV
Physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse by a partner or family member. Victims are most in danger when leaving. In SA, support and protection orders are available regardless of gender.
How to avoid: Know the numbers to call for help (GBV Command Centre 0800 428 428, 24/7). Have a private "escape bag" and a code word with a trusted friend. Know where your nearest SAPS FCS unit and a safe shelter are before you need them.
If it happens: Get to safety first. Dial 10111 or 112. Consider a protection order at your closest magistrate's court — SAPS/victim support can assist. Keep evidence of abuse (photos, messages, medical notes). You are not alone — counselling is free via Lifeline and SAPS victim facilities.
Related keywords
domestic violence, gbv, abuse, protection order, assault, rape
Kidnapping for ransom / express kidnap
Victims are seized (often outside homes/businesses) and held while criminals demand payment, sometimes "express" — driven to ATMs and forced to withdraw. Children may be approached at schools or in shopping areas.
How to avoid: Vary routines and routes; advise children never to go with anyone "sent by mum/dad" without the family password. Keep doors locked while driving and park in visible, well-lit spots. Notify family of your whereabouts when out late.
If it happens: STAY CALM — for loved ones: do not pay immediately into unverified accounts; the police are your best allies and will negotiate with experts. For victims: comply, note details, and look for opportunities to discreetly call 112 or flag a car/ATM attendant.
Related keywords
kidnap, kidnapping, ransom, missing, express kidnap
Digital & tech-enabled
Phone / banking-app enabled robbery
Criminals use your unlocked phone (after grabbing it, or a SIM swap, or a "banking app must be verified" scam) to drain your accounts or apply for loans. A SIM swap alone lets them bypass OTPs.
How to avoid: Keep phone locked with a strong PIN (not 1234) + biometrics. Never hand your phone over for "credit checks". Check for SIM-swap notifications from your network. Don't save pins in apps; use a password manager. Set daily transfer limits in your banking app.
If it happens: If your phone goes off the network or you get a SIM-swap alert, call your bank immediately to freeze accounts (Fraud line), then your network provider. Report to SAPS and keep the case number for dispute resolution.
Related keywords
sim swap, sim-swap, phone stolen, banking app, otp, mpesa, yoco
🛡️ Prepare so you never freeze
- Save 10111 and 112 in your phone now.
- Talk to your household about a safe word and a meeting point.
- Keep your car keys and phone in the same reachable pocket at night.
- Seen suspicious activity in your area? Report it — silently, to SAPS, or via our community reports.
This library is educational. For urgent help call the police directly: 10111 / 112.