Travelling in the CBD

Whether by car, taxi or bus, most of us have no choice but to find ourselves commutting in Central Business Districts. I know from experience that these are the busiest and most dangerous areas to find yourself. A place where a CEO of a company and a gang leader of a Nyaope crew can be found fumbling about trying to get to their points of business.

 This is a place where; unfortunately; you as a person become ispani. Where your belongings become the surrounding community's. Your phone can easily get "asked" for and your wallet can grow legs. Many have fallen victim to the dwellers of the CBD streets whilst enroute to attend their duties. Here's how I manage to always make it out the commotion with all my belongings intact:

-Knowing where I am going. I never leave home not knowing exactly where I'm going and how to get there. Criminals are always on a lookout for someone who doesn't know their surroundings. Also, looking for directions might lead you to getting directed to a point where a criminal will find it easier to corner and take advantage of you.

- Don't be too friendly. When walking in the CBD, it is expected of you to not greet or smile with the people around you. Friendliness open up a chanel for criminals to find your weak point and pounce on it to their benefit.

- Keeping baggage to a minimum. When you know you are going to a busy place like the JHB CBD, it will help you to keep luxury items away from prying eyes. Flashing your phone, tablet or even ipad means you are ready to share because one way or another, you become a target market instantly.

- Wear comfortable clothes; put your heels in a bag and walk in flats if you have to. Nothing says target market or newbie like a person trying to make it through all that commotion in sky high heels. Trying to keep your balance while maneuvering through the crowds can be a bit tricky.

- If driving, concentrate. Get off your phone. I once saw a guy's phone get snatched emarobotini through an open window.

- Keep bags and other items you don't need in the boot of your car. Honestly, getting a window smashed for a purse is not worth it.

- If at some point you have to drive and park your car in the CBD and walk somewhere please take note to make sure your car is locked. Otherwise you will come back and your car will be cleaned out or just gone all together, car jamming is real, you will find yourself searching for your car under a brick.  Also, park in well known paid-parking as opposed to the side of the road, it is safer.

- Avoid bargains that look too good to be true. I've heard of posers who scout for victims in shops, offer to sell them stuff via back doors just to rob them of their money nje.

 By Queen Troll