Tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going and when you are expected to return. Create a buddy system and set periodic time intervals to check in.

Familiarise yourself with the surroundings and pre-plan a route and your means of transportation.

Try to use well lit, high pedestrian areas and routes when travelling alone. Do not leave well-used paths and take shortcuts through dense bush, veld or through abandoned buildings and quiet areas.

Try to avoid walking alone, especially after hours and when using quiet routes.

Remain Alert, Aware and Vigilant of your surroundings at all times. Do NOT display your valuables and remember to constantly reassess the situation and make considered decisions. Your calm, considered, quick thinking action will be a benefit to your safety.

Avoid the distraction of walking while looking down at your digital device. Use technology to your advantage and download the Namola app – https://www.namola.com – and use for free. The app has a panic button and can pinpoint your location and send alerts to the HCPF (when you are in Henley on Klip) and your loved ones.

Trust your instincts and don’t panic. If you don’t feel comfortable or safe, leave the area or find a safe store or crowd of people to approach while you alert someone to assist you.

If you travel alone often equip yourself with a basic whistle to signal distress, pepper spray and learn some basic self-defence measures. Remember to SHOUT and SCREAM when you feel threatened.

Always report any incidents or attempted incidents, even if you’re unsure of what you witnessed. Let the authorities investigate. This will ensure dangerous hotspots are identified and resources allocated to keep citizens safe.