Is Boksburg Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Boksburg, South Africa was founded as a town in 1887.

It was established as the administrative center of the East Rand after the discovery of gold and coal.

The town was named for Dr. W.E. Bok, the Secretary of State for the Transvaal Republic.

The city is in the Gauteng province of South Africa.

It is a bustling city that has a rich culture and history.

It is known for its natural beauty.

Travelers to Boksburg enjoy visiting historic sites, nature preserves, and nearby lakes.

Visitors need to know the crime risks, the other risks to travelers, and useful information before planning their visit.

Warnings & Dangers in Boksburg

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Head Topics South Africa warned of increasing violent crime rates occurring in Boksburg, South Africa in August 2022. That sentiment was re-affirmed in September 2023, when the Boksburg Advertiser reported on problem crime areas and overall serious crimes. Boksburg city officials have increased the law enforcement presence in some areas of the city. Travelers need to always be aware of people around them and their surroundings when they are in Boksburg, South Africa.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Several taxi companies offer safe transport services for Boksburg, South Africa residents, and visitors. Travelers should check company ratings before they order a taxi. Boksburg is also served by the Metrorail line. Be aware of people using the same public transport, whether going by Metrorail, bus, or other transport services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocket risks are not as high as some other types of crime that occur in Boksburg or the surrounding area. Most crime risks involve violent crimes. Robberies at businesses and residential burglaries are on the rise, but not petty crimes such as pickpocketing. Travelers still should make sure that they do not provide the opportunity for pickpockets to take advantage of them.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Boksburg has had its share of natural disasters, including recent events. A January 2023 earthquake registered at a magnitude of 4.4. The Boksburg Explosion occurred on December 2, 2022. The explosion killed at least 18 people after a gas tanker exploded on Christmas Eve. An underground gas leak killed nearly 20 people in 2023. The dead and injured were part of an informal settlement in Boksburg. Gas leaks during mining operations, including illegal mining operations in and around Boksburg have also occurred in recent years. The epicenter of a 2023 earthquake was outside a Boksburg mine. Concerns have been raised by local officials about the poor response to natural disaster management.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Travelers and residents in Boksburg, South Africa are at a high risk of being victims of mugging incidents. Recent crime statistics show that assault with intent to cause “grievous bodily harm” is up by 13 percent. Common assaults recently increased by more than 28 percent. All types of theft are high in Boksburg, South Africa.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Travelers who visit Boksburg should be aware of terrorist activities and the possibility of terrorist incidents. The risk changes from one day to the next, so it is important to check the U.S. Department of State for risks before going to Boksburg, South Africa. Bomb threats have caused the evacuation of Boksburg Schools on several occasions. One incident took police away from other duties, and a major heist occurred when police were diverted to schools.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

The origin of many scams is in Africa, including South Africa. Common Boksburg scams include deposit and refund scams. Do not make online purchases or transactions in Boksburg or before visiting Boksburg if you do not know for sure that you are visiting a legitimate and reputable site. Do not fall for the scam where a resident or traveler is contacted by someone who claims to be a police officer. One scam occurs when someone has a stolen vehicle, or another reported stolen item. A scammer contacts the person and makes a demand for money before releasing the vehicle or other item to the victim.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women should not travel alone in Boksburg, or in other areas of South Africa. One incident of a serial rapist is not the only reason that it is unsafe for women travelers to visit the Boksburg sites and destinations alone. The rate of attempted murders recently increased by 100 percent. Women and underage girls have been raped in the Boksburg, South Africa area.

TAP WATER RISK: HIGH

A June 2023 report indicates that the quality of drinking water in South Africa has dropped for several reasons. The South African government blamed the water infrastructure and the water resources. There was a recent cholera outbreak, which the report indicates should not be a surprise. The water supply services suffer from neglect and overall collapse. Travelers want to avoid drinking the Boksburg tap water.

Safest Places to Visit in Boksburg

The cultural heritage is one reason that many people visit Boksburg.

The city boasts a variety of ethnicities, including Afrikaans, Zulu, English, and other communities.

There are many cultural sites to visit in Boksburg.

Visit a nature park in or near Boksburg.

Learn about Boksburg, South Africa by booking a history tour.

Embark on a guided safari tour.

Boksburg has plenty of activities for families.

Take the kids to a water park or a local mall.

Visit a bird sanctuary.

Go to Bokkie Park to feed the sheep, the rabbits, and the goats.

Have fun by engaging in extreme sports, such as sandboarding at Mount Mayhem.

Visit a museum in Boksburg, or the old post office or the old Boksburg Law Court.

Places to Avoid in Boksburg

The high crime rate in and around Boksburg means that it is important for travelers to know the places to avoid when visiting the city.

Boksburg North is listed by local officials as having high rates of certain crimes.

It has a high number of sexual offenses and high theft rates.

Boksburg is listed as one of the safest cities in South Africa, yet some areas have high crime rates.

There is a one in 18 chance that you may become a crime victim in Boksburg.

Law enforcement officials identified industrial sites that are in the Boksburg SAPS precinct and areas around Rondebult Road as hot spots for criminal activity.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Boksburg

So... How Safe Is Boksburg Really?

Boksburg, South Africa is known as a vibrant community that has a lot of things to see and do when visiting the area.

The safety risks and recent crime surge have affected the safety of travelers and residents.

Some petty crimes pose a lower risk to travelers, compared to more serious and more violent crimes.

Muggings, robberies, sexual assaults, and incidents of attempted murder are all on the rise in Boksburg, South Africa.

Staying with the travel group and not going anywhere alone, especially at night, helps to increase safety for travelers.

How Does Boksburg Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Tourists who plan to visit South Africa, including Boksburg, do not need a visa for a short visit. The South African government allows U.S. residents to travel to the country for up to 90 days. Travelers still need to have a valid passport. The passport must have a validity date that is 30 days beyond the intended date of exit from South Africa.

Currency

The South African currency is the Rand. The currency code for South Africa’s currency is ZAR. U.S. travelers are restricted to having 25,000 ZAR upon their entry to South Africa. Declared foreign currency is unrestricted.

Weather

Boksburg, South Africa has a warm and temperate climate. Residents and visitors see more precipitation during the summer months, rather than during the winter months. January, a summer month in Boksburg, is the warmest month of the year. The temperature averages around 68 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest temperatures occur in July when the temperature averages 49.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Pack clothes and accessories that allow for sudden changes in the weather.

Airports

The closest airport to Boksburg, South Africa is the OR Tambo International Airport. The airport is just over five miles from Boksburg. Travelers may take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Boksburg. The Rand Airport is about seven miles from Boksburg, South Africa.

Travel Insurance

Purchasing travel insurance is a must for travelers who want to protect themselves from the many risks that can occur when traveling to Boksburg, South Africa, or to any other destination around the globe. Do not choose the first option from a search list. Get a quote and make the purchase that best suits your needs.

Boksburg Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

South Africa - Safety by City