While politicians and pundits debate the effectiveness of South Africa’s
zero-tolerance crackdown on crime in Johannesburg, Russell Jones is not
taking any chances. The former marine from the United Kingdom is now a private
security consultant in South Africa who insists that visitors adopt a vigilant
approach to physical security.The South African Police Service recorded 2,634 carjackings between March
2003 and April 2004 in Johannesburg, only slightly below the average for the
past eight years. Over the same time period, robberies with aggravating
circumstances swelled from about 9,500 to 18,721, the highest figures for at
least the past 10 years.
To thwart the threat of violent street crime, Jones
advises traveling executives to take additional precautions. His firm employs
seven professional bodyguards who carry concealed handguns and are trained in
spotting kidnapping traps, in evasive driving and in securing meeting venues.
“Businesspeople face extraordinary threats that typical tourists wouldn’t have
to deal with,” Jones explains. For example, when SBC Communications of San
Antonio, Texas, was negotiating the purchase of a stake in South Africa’s state
telecommunications provider, Jones planned for the possibility that labor unions
would strike and target U.S. executives. He worked with security teams at hotels
and convention centers to ensure safety within buildings and plan emergency
exits.
To maximize security, Jones recommends that foreign business travelers
take the following measures:
• When contracting a security service,
verify its certification with the professional organization Poslec SETA (Police,
Private Security, Legal, Correctional Services and Justice Sector Education
Training Authority, www.poslecseta.org.za).
• Find
out the official rating—A to E in descending order—given to bodyguards by the
South African Department of Labor.
• Never store personal data,
itineraries, photos or other sensitive material on computer networks that are
vulnerable to hackers. Instead, keep them on secured laptops or digital
media.
• Train personnel to limit the information they provide
regarding executives’ travel and meeting itineraries.
• When hiring a
driver or driving alone, prearrange secure, underground parking.
•
Avoid downtown Johannesburg after dark.
• Use caution and travel with
local guides to cultural attractions in
central Johannesburg, including the
Johannesburg Art Gallery, which is located in high-crime Joubert
Park.
• Avoid Hillbrow altogether. If you must visit Alexandra or
Soweto, hire guides and interpreters from the local tourist organizations or
through your hotel.
|
