There is a definite tension and sense of danger in Pretoria, but for the students from Stevenson University, they were first hand witnesses of the underlying danger.Everything looks fine on the highway, but after getting off, you're met with walls surrounding every building. Usually there is a sharp point at the top of each wall, barb wire and sometimes electric fences on top of the walls and barb wire. So, needless to say, Pretoria is a place that requires street smarts.
With the all popular "smash and grab" crime that happens to regular everyday citizens that live in Pretoria, it actually is not a big surprise that a tour bus carrying 35 Americans, 30 of which were students at Stevenson University (located in Stevenson, Maryland) and 5 chaperons, with money and technology was a target of a crime.
The robbers came up shooting at the bus to get it to stop. They then proceeded to board the bus and collect the spoil from cooperative victims. Fortunately, nobody was hurt in this robbery and they lost material possessions, rather than their lives, and have received the needed assistance to get back home to the States safely.
It's sad that a country that is so beautiful and has so much potential is so terrorized by so much crime. The Pretoria police department is flooded with crime incidents, but the people know that it is pretty much useless to call them for help. However, ADT and other security companies have stepped up to the plate to offer support to the people in need of help and protection.
Before going to South Africa, educate yourself and brush up on your street smarts. Read about what to look out for, how to manage your money, passport, electronic devices and personal items. It's a whole new culture with its own rhythm. Make sure to know the ebbs and flows as much as possible before charging out like a sitting duck.
Although many precautions can be taken to avoid bringing attention to yourself and your valuables, crime can happen at any time, for any reason. Even if it's for the equivalent of a couple dollars (or Rand), but don't let it stop you from visiting Pretoria and having a wonderful time.