Topics Safety and Crime South Africa Eastern Cape Port Elizabeth

Population: 312,392

What are safety and crime like in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape?

Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa — Source

Recent advice...Jane on Stockport, United Kingdom: xThe old parts of town – the underbank and marketplace are much improved. Heaton moor is an excellent place to live. Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Sokoto, Nigeria: xThe state is peaceful; low crime rate, affordable accommodations, low transportation prices, good schools and affordable food with an adequate healthcare system. Read more ›

Recent advice...Refilwe on Bethlehem, South Africa: xBethlehem is a small yet vibrant town with all age groups of people and mixed population when it comes to race. The cost of living is fair. I would highly… Read more ›

Recent advice...lucy on Stockholm, Sweden: xStockholm has amazing water views. The Art scene is fab. The food is amazing. Read more ›

Recent advice...MCHARO on Mombasa, Kenya: xIf you are coming to Mombasa you need to visit the pirates beach, Fort Jesus, which is a historical site and the nature trail which is a natural park. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evy on Brussels, Belgium: xIf moving to Brussels, it’s best to avoid the south of Brussels (Schaarbeek, Etterbeek…) The housing is cheaper but much more dangerous. Belgium is a small country but has very… Read more ›

Recent advice...Agbor on Essen, Germany: xEssen is located in the Northwest Region of Germany. It is an average city with lots of foreigners. It has a very good transport system with many African shops. Read more ›

Recent advice...Cassidy on Bogor, Indonesia: xBe prepared to familiarize yourself with public transport because there are a lot of places that have similar destinations but have different routes. The best way to commute within the… Read more ›

Recent advice...Emmanuel on Nairobi, Kenya: xPlanning to move to Nairobi? Get ready for an exciting mix of city living and thrilling adventures! Experience the lively markets, indulge in mouthwatering street food, and have the awe-inspiring… Read more ›

Recent advice...Pierre on Gaborone, Botswana: xWe live on a homestead, about 12 min drive outside the CBD. The blessing of not having traffic, the vibe of city and nature combined is to die for. Read more ›

Recent advice...Xolani on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg residents have a 6th sense about people from here and who understand the unspoken rules of the concrete jungle. Plan your routes, always walk like you know where you… Read more ›

Recent advice...James on Nuremberg, Germany: xSpeaking German would be helpful but not necessary. Cold winters, warm summers, nice people. Finding affordable nice accommodation may be difficult. Read more ›

Recent advice...Evans on Los Angeles, United States: xLos Angeles, often abbreviated as L.A., is the largest city in California and the second-largest in the United States, following New York City. Known for its Mediterranean climate, diverse population,… Read more ›

Recent advice...Neha on Faridabad, India: xWell, I’ve stayed in Faridabad for 9 years. The city has come up and developed quiet a lot since then. There are some good malls and big brands to shop… Read more ›

Recent advice...Frenzer on Nairobi, Kenya: xIf you are moving to Nairobi City, everyone is welcoming and cheerful but if you seem to be a newbie the people will take advantage of it. For example, paying… Read more ›

Recent advice...CamCamBlue on Ann Arbor, United States: xIt’s the most expensive city in Michigan, and fast growing. We have a lovely park system and nice small, surrounding towns. Read more ›

Recent advice...Anne on North Adelaide, Australia: xBest kept secret – clean, friendly, beautiful hills and beaches. Read more ›

Recent advice...Dipti on Vadodara, India: xPeaceful place to stay and roam. Very safe. Read more ›

Recent advice...Shannah on Thibodaux, United States: xThibodaux is a quaint town with affordable homes. It’s a great area to raise children! Read more ›

Recent advice...Kaspars on Chiang Mai, Thailand: xAbsolutely stunning city in the northern part of Thailand. I would say spiritual and food capital of Thailand. There are more than 300 temples scattered around the city. If you… Read more ›

Recent advice...Corne on Bloemfontein, South Africa: xBloemfontein is a very close knit community with friendly people. The town isn’t really clean and well maintained. It has really brilliant schools that are affordable. Read more ›

Recent advice...Felix on Johannesburg, South Africa: xJohannesburg, often referred to as Jo’burg or Jozi, is the largest city in South Africa and the provincial capital of Gauteng, the wealthiest province in the country. Here are some… Read more ›

Recent advice...Noemie on Albuquerque, United States: xFor the US the cost of living is low. There is an abundance of things to do in nature & the pace of life is slower than other US cities.… Read more ›

Recent advice...Simona on Bitola, North Macedonia: xIf someone is moving to Bitola they should be at ease in not spending much money on security CCTV for securing their property, grandmas are out on their balconies/windows 24/7… Read more ›

Recent advice...Ahmed on Samanoud, Egypt: xWelcome to Samanoud, a historic gem in Egypt’s Gharbia Governorate! Once known as Sebennytos, this city features remnants of a temple dedicated to the god Anhur and his lioness goddess… Read more ›

Recent advice...Grace on Kadoma, Zimbabwe: xIf you’re moving to Kadoma you’ll need to be prepared for the heat and the dust. The roads are dusty and bad but the biggest plus is that its rich… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jeff on Minneapolis, United States: x4 wondrous seasons and thriving activities in each. Great park system thriving downtown and the Mississippi River are all here. Welcoming people convey the famous ‘Minnesota Nice’. Several world class… Read more ›

Recent advice...Esther on Lagos, Nigeria: xLagos, Nigeria is a vibrant, rapidly growing hub that’s always buzzing with energy. Known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites, it is a must-visit for anyone with an adventurous… Read more ›

Recent advice...Erick on Singapore: xIt’s the best place for working due to safety, high salary, and great transportation. Singapore is a city that is suitable for any lifestyle whether you live a frugal living… Read more ›

Recent advice...Jamie on Highlands Ranch, United States: xA really lovely suburb of Denver. Incredibly clean, well planned community. Low crime rate. Very walkable. Lots of conveniences nearby. Tons of parks for the kids. Only downside is that… Read more ›

Random City

Featured real estate agent: Affinity Real Estate
Featured hotel: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured immigration attorney: We don't have one. Suggest one.
Featured tour guide: We don't have one. Suggest one.

From petty theft to violent crime, here's what 13 local experts had to say about safety and crime in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape.

Living in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha) can be very dangerous, the crime rate is very high and is know as the murder capital in SA in 2023. The beaches outside of town are beautiful.

HELPFUL REPORT

Gqerberha is a 10 minute city – you can drive all over easily. Great people, amazing beaches, affordable lifestyle. Some issues with safety but if you’re sensible and alert you’ll be fine.

HELPFUL REPORT

Someone moving to my city should consider the safety and security of the area they want to reside in. The country does have a long history of rampant crime and as a proud citizen I want the best experience for anyone moving to this country. One last thing to consider is the weather, it is always good to be prepared for anything in Port Elizabeth.

HELPFUL REPORT

In a situation where b someone has decided to move to my city, he or he should know that we have a problem with human trafficking. he or she should never walk alone at night in the streets, and must always carry a taser with them so as to protect themselves from criminals.

HELPFUL REPORT

It is a coastal city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, known as the “Windy City” and the “Friendly City”. Port Elizabeth has many good schools, an excellent work-life balance, and great restaurants. While safety is an issue in some neighbourhoods, as in many around the country, there are secure estates currently being developed.

HELPFUL REPORT

Port Elizabeth is a very windy city and the weather changes probably 3 times a day. It also has very friendly people in it, hence it is referred as the friendly city. The City has beautiful beaches and beautiful views and one thing that is beautiful about Port Elizabeth is that it is low on crime.

HELPFUL REPORT

To learn about its history and the beauty of the Xhosa culture. The art and different taste of foods. It would also be imperative to be aware of areas where crime scenes are most rated high and only visit places where you would feel safe at. It would also be important to visit locations or townships to learn and get an understanding on how people face different challenges on daily basis.

HELPFUL REPORT

My city is very cold, therefore a person interested in moving to my city must be used to cold weather. The crime is high, you must be always careful and do not ask directions from strangers. We have the beach close to a tourist attraction mall. People in my city are very rude sometimes, so be prepared for that.

HELPFUL REPORT

My city is very welcoming to both visitors and investors. It has one of the best-run municipalities which offer world-class service delivery. The weather is lovely, residents are friendly and there are wonderful beaches on the 30km long coast that graces the city. To top it all, the crime rate is far below the national average.

HELPFUL REPORT

My city is a very friendly city with friendly people. The weather is always sunny and bright. In summer we always go to the beach to have fun and there is no high crime. There are nice restaurants, night clubs to go to and have fun.

HELPFUL REPORT

While Port Elizabeth is a wonderful, friendly city, one should be wary of the public transportation. While the omnipresent minivans, locally referred to as taxis, are relatively cheap and reliable in their schedule, they are not the safest. Pickpockets, and at times even armed robberies, are a common occurrence in taxis. This is why it is always safer to wait for a bus or call an Uber when you wish to travel.

HELPFUL REPORT

there is a high crime rate and thus one needs to take precaution such as locking one’s doors and making sure you do not leave items in your car that might get stolen. The city is known as the friendly city or the windy city.

HELPFUL REPORT

It is untrue that it is very windy in Port Elizabeth but there are a few intensely wind days. Secondly, most people speak Xhosa but many can speak English and Afrikaans too. There are quite a few very dangerous area that you should not wander into alone or late at night.

HELPFUL REPORT

Beaches Weather Things To Do More...

Education History Shopping Restaurants Sports Transportation Parks Quality of Life Language Cost of Living Diversity Politics Museums Pros and Cons Housing Jobs Art Traffic Nightlife Medicine Mosquitoes Air Quality Coffee Income Inequality Religion

What are safety and crime like in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape?

Sign up for the Crowdsourced Explorer newsletter

Help other people by sharing tips about your city:

Help others learn about the world:

Participate in the CE community:

Tell us about your city in 60 seconds:

Possibly win $100 by telling us about your city:

Leave a comment

Thank you!