Updated on 12 July 2019
Situation:
Authorities in South Africa have deployed the army to townships in the port city of Cape
Town to deal with an upsurge of gang violence.
Last weekend 13 people were killed in a 24 hour period.
The upsurge in violence is due to a turf war between rival gangs, fueled by retaliation attacks.
There is a heavy police presence in Bonteheuwel, Delft, Hanover Park and Philippi East townships.
The army's current deployment is for three months and can be renewed.
The army was last deployed to tackle Cape Town's gangs in 2017.
Possible Effects:
Increased presence of security personnel, especially in violence-prone areas
Increases in crime, especially that related to gangs
Mitigating Factors to Apply:
Avoid high crime areas
Avoid travel at night and/or alone
Remain vigilant
Call the authorities in the event of an emergency - 112
Follow all instructions from authorities
Monitor local and social media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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