Most Chinese residents in South Africa live safely day to day, but home invasions, follow-home robberies from the airport, car hijackings and kidnappings targeting shop owners do happen. What works best: live in a well-secured complex, keep little cash in the shop and on you, vary your routines, never resist an armed robber, and save emergency numbers in advance.
The current picture (as of October 2026)
- Kidnapping for ransom: On 6 September 2026 the Chinese Embassy warned that Chinese business owners, mainly shop and liquor-store operators in Johannesburg’s Selby and Jeppestown areas, had been kidnapped for ransom, usually while making deliveries or near their premises.
- Protests and unrest: On 8 October 2026, anti-illegal-immigration marches in central Durban and in Soweto led to clashes, looting and vehicle arson, and some foreign-owned shops were hit. On 10 October the Embassy urged Chinese citizens to follow developments closely, avoid affected areas and not stop to watch.
- Hijacking: SAPS figures for the fourth quarter of 2025/26 (January–March 2026) show 3,609 vehicle hijackings nationally, about 20% fewer than a year earlier. Gauteng recorded 2,062 and remains the most affected province.
Risk varies far more between neighbourhoods than between cities. Before choosing a home or a shop location, ask Chinese friends and community associations; for city specifics see our Johannesburg city guide.
Shops and cash
- Do not keep large amounts of cash in the shop overnight. Bank daily or use cash-in-transit or smart-safe services, and push card and QR payments.
- Install cameras you can check remotely on your phone and a panic button linked to a security company.
- As the Embassy advises, adjust trading hours so nobody opens, closes or delivers alone early in the morning or late at night, and vary delivery routes and times.
- Employ local staff legally and manage labour relations well. Do not discuss turnover, family assets, your home address or vehicles in front of staff or in public.
- Set up a contact group with neighbouring shops and community associations to share alerts. See our directory of Chinese associations.
Follow-home robberies from the airport
At OR Tambo, criminals may pick out travellers who withdraw cash, carry bulky luggage or wear expensive jewellery and follow them home. Advice from the airport operator ACSA, plus community experience:
- Do not count cash or change large sums in the arrivals hall; keep valuables out of sight.
- Check your mirrors often on the way home, or ask your driver to.
- If you think you are being followed, do not drive home. Go straight to the nearest police station or a staffed petrol station, which is also what the Embassy recommends.
- Phone ahead so the gate is open when you arrive and you do not wait outside.
Driving and hijacking
- Traffic lights (“robots”) and your own gate are hijacking hotspots. Leave space in front of your car so you can pull away.
- Keep doors locked and windows up, and do not leave phones or bags on the passenger seat.
- At night, scan the street before turning into your driveway. If something looks wrong, drive on.
- If confronted by armed hijackers: hands up, move slowly, do not resist, hand over the keys. Tell them first if a child is in the car.
Home security
| Measure | What it does | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Gated estate or complex | Access control, 24-hour guards, electric fence | Best choice for newcomers; check that guards log visitors |
| Alarm + armed response | A security company sends a team when the alarm is triggered | Monthly fee; compare response times and use a PSIRA-registered company |
| Burglar bars, security gate to the bedrooms | Slows down intruders | Lock the bedroom-wing gate at night |
| Outdoor sensor lights, cameras, electric fence | Deterrence and early warning | Make sure they have battery backup during power cuts |
Put security on your viewing checklist when renting (see our renting guide). Do not post cash, cars or live travel plans on WeChat Moments, Douyin or other social media. If someone at the door claims to be police or from the power utility, check ID and call the organisation to confirm.
If you are robbed or a family member is kidnapped
- Your safety comes first: do not resist or chase, and try to remember faces and vehicles.
- When safe, call the police on 10111 (or 112 from a mobile), then open a case at a police station and get a case (CAS) number. See emergency numbers and what to do.
- Contact the Chinese Embassy or consulate for consular assistance.
- If a family member is kidnapped, the Embassy advises reporting it immediately, following police negotiators’ advice, not promising a large ransom on your own, and giving investigators every detail.
During protests and unrest
Follow the news and community alerts, stay away from march routes, do not watch or film, close early if needed, move takings and valuables somewhere safe, and keep a few days of water, food and medicine at home.
FAQ
Is Johannesburg or Cape Town safer?
Both cities have very safe suburbs and high-risk areas. The specific neighbourhood and the security of your home matter more than the city.
How do I choose a security company?
Check that it is registered with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA), ask about response times, monthly fees and contract length, and ask neighbours about their experience.
What can the Embassy do for me?
The Embassy and consulates provide consular protection and assistance, such as helping you contact local police, hospitals and family in China. They cannot investigate crimes or pay costs for individuals. Contacts are on our embassy and consulates page.
Should I keep emergency cash in the shop?
Keep only a small float and bank the rest quickly. Criminals often look for businesses known to hold cash, so holding less cash lowers your risk.
More in our Safety section.