A travel warning against South Africa has been issued by Kenya, citing a rising wave of crime in the country.
This was revealed in an internal security memo from Kenya’s foreign affairs ministry sent to top government officials.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Monica Juma warned of increased cases of armed robberies, carjacking, theft, burglary, kidnap, rape and mugging in South Africa.
Dr. Juma further warns in the memo that the spate of “escalating crime” has not spared the diplomatic community.
The memo dated April 24th, does not however indicate if any Kenyans have been victims of the said crimes.
The leaked internal memo seen by the SABC and published by a section of local media in Kenya warns top Kenyan government officials against late night travel and arrival in South Africa indicating that late night flights are easy target.
It also advices those travelling to the country to book hotels in well-established areas and avoid travelling in public means especially mini taxis, which the memo says are a haven for theft and sexual harassment.
Dr. Juma in the memo copied to Kenya’s head of the civil service Joseph Kinyua says despite several crime reports being made to the SA police, it appeared the police have been overwhelmed by the perpetrators.
– By Sarah Kemani
