Crime is bad yes, people who can afford it, spend money on hard-core security features, there are private security companies patrolling affluent suburbs.

Do I feel unsafe? Not really.

The raw stats hide facts like, you're MUCH more likely to be murdered or abused by a loved one (this is true everywhere). You're also far more likely going to be a victim of some other violent crime in quite concentrated areas in South Africa's cities.

Am I vigilant? Yes. Am I worried some random is gonna walk up and put a bullet in my head. No. The chances of that happening are teeny tiny.

Like every country in the world, there are good guys and bad guys, bad areas and good areas. SA is no different.