Surviving South Africa: Experiences in One of the World’s Most Dangerous Countries

① YouTube Star Robbed Twice in South Africa

South Africa is known as one of the countries with the worst security worldwide. With an annual murder rate that reaches up to 20,000 individuals, it is notorious for its high violent crime rate. The recent experience of Korean travel YouTubers visiting South Africa has drawn significant attention, particularly a video uploaded by YouTuber Zero Sugar titled, “I was beaten up for two hours in South Africa.”

His condition in the video was visibly serious, with his right eye bloodshot, the area below his eye bruised from pooled blood, a swollen upper lip, and injured hands.

The YouTuber said, “I was drinking wine at the bar in my accommodation and thought it would be nice to film a video of me singing a song, so I went to a bar where mostly white people hung out and came back.” While he was hailing an Uber on the street, some white people approached him and suggested sharing the ride, claiming they were staying at the same accommodation.

Then, four black men followed him into the car, and he was indiscriminately assaulted. During the struggle, the YouTuber had his cell phone and credit card stolen and was thrown onto the street.
He managed to hail a taxi but was assaulted again in the vehicle. He said, “I was beaten even harder there for two hours,” and revealed that everything except his socks and upper clothes was stolen.

The YouTuber recounted hiding until dawn and asking for help when he saw someone coming out of a nearby mansion. However, he was surprised by the locals’ reaction, as if it was no big deal. A local told the YouTuber, “You should never have fought back. They have knives and guns. You could have been killed,” and added, “It’s lucky that you’re alive after going through that twice.”

② The Level of Security in South Africa

The YouTuber could leave the country safely with the help of the consulate. After the video was uploaded, it attracted attention with over 2,700 comments.

South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a special travel advisory for all regions of South Africa. A Ministry official said, “The robbery and murder rates in South Africa are incomparably higher than in Korea, so we ask people to refrain from traveling there as much as possible.”

③ Places Even Locals Warn Against

YouTuber Soy released a video titled “A country where you can’t walk around even in daylight… Worst security ever, Johannesburg, South Africa”. When she checked into her hotel, they offered an escort service for going out. Due to the unstable security situation, hotel staff accompany guests when they go out.

While walking alone to the market, the YouTuber was threatened but managed to pass safely with the assistance of a local passerby. The locals told the YouTuber it was dangerous and advised her not to go to the market. They also earnestly advised her to always take an Uber instead of walking, even during the day.

A tourist who claimed to have worked in Johannesburg for four years said, “South Africa is a dangerous country, more so than you can imagine. During my time there, the company provided me with a commuting driver because of the risk because Uber and taxis are dangerous, too. Later, due to the increasingly unstable security situation, I moved my accommodation to a place five minutes away from the company, and there was always a security guard on site. But I was still robbed.” He continued, “In South Africa, especially in Johannesburg, news often comes out about Uber drivers turning into robbers and committing murders. Don’t walk alone, even in broad daylight. Don’t carry a camera.”

YouTuber Kim Hanryang, The Traveler, also released a video about running away from a robber during his trip to South Africa. He said, “I encountered a robber while walking and managed to escape after a physical struggle.” The place where the YouTuber got out of the taxi was a dangerous area, and the hotel warned him never to walk around.

During his visit to South Africa, he also posted a video titled “Would I get robbed if I walk 30km alone in South Africa? – Johannesburg.” In this video, he walked alone from the airport to downtown. The video garnered numerous comments expressing concern about the danger involved. Most reactions pointed out that such behavior is extremely dangerous.