11 Tips For Surviving The Cape Flats

Sixty percent of people living on the Cape Flats have been robbed of their cell phone or wallet at some point. Okay, I made that number up. But what I’m trying to say is that a lot of people have been victims of crime in their own neighbourhood. 

 

I’m sure those who’ve never been mugged probably have a story to tell about that time two tikkoppe tried their luck on their way to the train station.

 

It’s something we all know too well.

 

I’m not trying to paint a stereotypical picture of the Cape Flats. We love the Flats—the culture, the food, the people who make every sentence sound like a stand-up routine. We wrote about it in a previous post, 7 Reasons the Cape Flats Deserve More Love.

 

But loving this place and surviving it are two different things. As much as we want those positives to be the full story, we can’t ignore the reality: the Flats is not a place where you can just float through life with your head in the clouds. 

 

That doesn’t mean you can’t make it through. You just need to know how the streets work; know who’s near you, where you’re walking, and when it’s time to keep your distance. Whether you’re familiar with the streets or a newbie, we’ve got the survival guide to help you learn fast, so you don’t need to learn the hard way.

 

Don’t Show Off Your Belongings

 

Don’t leave boxes that come with new TVs or video game consoles lying on the sidewalk. Skelms have eyes, and they know exactly what’s valuable. If you’ve got something fancy, hide the evidence or keep your trash low-key. Similarly, do not switch on the lights at night with the curtains or blinds still open. You’re just making it easy for someone to spot a prize.

 

Walk Around With A Big Dog 

 

Dogs are a great deterrent. People are less likely to mess with you on the street when they see you’ve got a dog that looks like it could bite. Take the dog for walks around the neighbourhood, but keep it on a leash. You don’t want your dog running off looking for trouble and you end up in a mess. Keep your pet close and let it be your backup.

 

Keep A Mugging Phone and Mugging Money

 

This is an old trick in the book. Always carry an old phone, the kind you wouldn’t mind losing, and a little bit of cash you can afford to part with. When someone tries to mug you, hand over your “mugging phone” and “mugging money” without making a scene. Keep your real phone and cash hidden safely on your body. The aim is to hand over the bait without putting up a fight.

 

Don’t Hide Inside Your House

 

If you’re new to the area, get into the habit of walking around in the daytime. You need to make your presence known so people get used to seeing you. The last thing you want is to show up one day like a stranger on their turf. If you’re around enough, you’ll start blending in. Keep your behaviour lekker chill and mind your own business.

 

What’s The Time? Don’t Fall for That Trick

 

If someone stops you on the street and asks you for the time, don’t stop moving. It’s a common mugging tactic. The idea is to distract you while they prepare to snatch your stuff. Keep walking and give the time from a safe distance, if you have to. 

 

Be Friendly With the Neighbours

 

Your neighbours might just be the ones to save your skin when things go sideways. Get to know them, say hello, and don’t be shy. If you’ve made a point to be friendly with the people around you, they’ll have your back in tough times. Trust is earned through simple gestures so make the effort.

 

Keep A Low Profile On Paydays

 

Robbies know your payday is a payday for them too. They’ll be watching for people who look like they’ve got money to spend. Don’t flash your money around in the shops or withdraw out more money than you need. It’s common sense – you’ve worked hard for your pay, and it’s better to be smart than to lose it all.

 

Stay Away From the Alleys and Open Fields

 

If you can avoid it, do not take shortcuts through alleys and bushy fields. Skelms love places where they can work unnoticed. If you have to walk through these areas, do it when other people are around – during rush hour or when workers are going to or coming home from their shifts. The quieter it is, the more dangerous it becomes.

 

Keep Your Hands Out of Your Pockets

 

If your hands are in your pockets, it looks like you’re hiding something valuable. Keep your hands visible, and make sure no one can assume you’ve got a phone or cash you’re trying to protect. It might seem like a small thing, but it’s the little details that make a big difference in how people perceive you. If you look like you’re hiding something, someone might try to take it.

 

Check Before You Open the Door

 

Before you open the door, always take a second to peek through a window. Don’t just open it because you hear a knock. Take a minute to assess if the situation feels off. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t open the door. You’ve got the power to decide who gets in and when.

 

Don’t Sit Outside in Your Car Waiting

 

Don’t sit in your car in the street, waiting for someone. It’s too easy for criminals to take advantage of you in that position. Either go inside your house, or let the person you’re waiting for know that you’re pulling up. Sitting in your car in a quiet street makes you an easy target.

 

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