Is it possible to live in South Africa without being victim of crime?

Hello All, Everytime I hear about South Africa by people who went there or who live there I only hear about their violent crimes and raping horrible stories. Is it possible to live there without being attacked by criminal. How the police work there and they don't appear to be efficient to deter these massive crime. If some people do live there is peace please share your experience. I guess people must live normal lives there ? How do they manage to not be mugged of rapes . Please help as I have just been relocated there for my job and I am scared to go there with my family.

It depends were you stay.

I disagree with one of above answerers, Gauteng IS a war zone as far as crime is concerned. I have lived in Pretoria Gauteng for 37 years, and in the last four years crime has escalated to such an extend that I can almost honestly tell you that I know of no one in my business, family and friends living here who has not been affected by crime. Not all violent crime though, but it includes my mother being shot in her back for a notebook computer, armed robbery at my practice, and two hijackings. My own home was also ransacked while we were sleeping.

These type of stats are much less in other parts of South Africa, for instance Cape Town, Durban, Bloenfontein.

However, new leadership and structures is on the way, and with that comes new hope. I truly hope that the light at the end of the tunnel is not an approaching train. I for one believe, that something will be done, and that we have experienced the worst, and that better days are on their way.

This "hope" and my faith in the average South African are the reasons I will stay, and keep on promoting South Africa.

To answer your question, if you are aware of the situation and diligent in your preventions, you will find SA to be an Awesome Experience.

I would look for another job, and leave S.A. as quick as possible.

As someone who has grown up and currently living in S.A., I'd say yes, crime is very high here, but nothing to be paranoid about. I mean, like anywhere else in the world, and I've traveled quite extensively, you have to be careful of where you go and always be aware of your surroundings.
The media portrays this country as being a war zone for crime, but it's not actually. I'd say just always be careful of dodgy characters, as like in any other country, and it should be fine.

Hope this helps...

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute have also conducted research[4] on the victims of crime which shows the picture of South African crime as more typical of a developing country. These statistics show that South Africa has lower rates of violent crime than many African and South American countries.

The comparison of national crime statistics between countries is controversial since not all countries record these statistics to the same accuracy and every country has its own definition of each type of crime. In addition, the number of crimes that are actually reported is questionable.

Crime has had a pronounced effect on society: many wealthier South Africans moved into gated communities, abandoning the central business districts of some cities for the relative security of the suburbs. This effect is most pronounced in Johannesburg, although the trend is noticeable in other cities as well. Many emigrants from South Africa also state that crime was a big factor in their decision to leave[5]. Crime against commercial farmers has continued to be a major problem in the country. South Africa also has a bad record for car hijackings when compared to industrialised countries largely associated with the lower rate of car ownership. For example, the South African insurance company, Hollard Insurance, no longer insures Volkswagen Citi Golfs as they are one of the most frequently hijacked vehicles in South Africa[6].

Statistically South Africa is arguably the most violent country in the world and certainly the rape capital of the world.
Crime statistics are being "watered down" ahead of the upcoming soccer WCup.

It's the frequency of crime and incompetency of the government and public services that gets to most people.

Of course there is crime everywhere however in most other countries crime is usually something that happens to someone else whereas in SA it's so prolific that your friends, family and self are effected.

1000 000 "European South Africans" have left in the last 10 years, that's 20%, and just as many other races leave too when given the chance.
What can I tell you, it's pretty much one way traffic out at the moment.