Johannesburg has unveiled alarming findings from a new global Gallup poll that indicates a significant number of South Africans feel unsafe when walking alone. The poll reveals that approximately 70% of respondents do not feel secure outdoors, positioning South Africa among the bottom three global rankings in terms of safety perception, alongside Ecuador and Liberia.

Personal anecdotes further illustrate this widespread anxiety. Bartender Gugu Xakaza, 32, recounted a harrowing experience of being mugged by two men while returning from a grocery store, which led her to avoid walking alone afterward. Likewise, 23-year-old Karabo Faith described a near-mugging incident where the intervention of police officers spared her and her friend from losing their phones, leaving them understandably shaken.

Gallup's Julie Ray noted that sub-Saharan Africa has consistently received low safety ratings over the years, with perceptions of safety declining more steeply in this region than others. This trend has persisted for nearly two decades, while countries such as Kuwait, Singapore, and Norway report significantly higher feelings of safety among their citizens.

The survey also highlights the stark contrast in safety perceptions between genders; women in South Africa tend to feel more vulnerable than men. Furthermore, there is a noted lack of confidence in law enforcement in sub-Saharan Africa overall.

In response to the worrying statistics, Athlenda Mathe, a spokesperson for the South African Police Services, emphasized the ongoing efforts to enhance police visibility and combat crime. She stated that the aim is to create a safer environment that would allow citizens to walk freely without fear. Supporting her remarks, recent police statistics revealed that over 6,000 murders and 9,000 rapes were recorded in just a three-month period, indicating serious safety challenges in the region.