Angler safety - protect yourself from violent crime

South Africa is a dangerous country to live in and unfortunately it seems according to many recent newspaper reports, also to play in. I am saddened by so many reports of anglers attacked, mugged, robbed or murdered while fishing.  
Recently Polokwane lost a beloved resident when he was murdered while fishing for tilapia in a small stream close to town.  Elsewhere within the same week an off-duty policeman was murdered whilecamped next to a dam fishing for carp.  As reports of these kinds of incidents escalate, we as anglers need to sit down and take stock of the situation.
How important is one's life compared to the pleasures of fishing? Can we live without time on or next to the water, pursuing our passion for fishing? What can we do to improve the situation?
How can we ensure our safety while visiting local dams, rivers or streams?  If we want to continue fishing we have to apply certain measures!
~ First of all and most importantly, there is truth to the statement ‘SAFETY IN NUMBERS’. It is not safe to go fishing alone anymore. While alone one is vulnerable and a tempting target to any thug who may be in the vicinity. A larger group of anglers are a better deterrent than only one or two people. If you do not have many fishing friends, join a club and wait for club outings. If you cannot find several friends to join you for a day on or next to the water - do not go! It is not worth the risk.
~ Do your homework. PROPER PREPARATION is vital when planning a fishing trip.  Most importantly, find out as much as you can about the area you plan on visiting.  Where is the dam situated? Is it isolated, within town limits or rural settlements?  Contact the local authorities and ask for recent crime reports. Check fishing forums and ask for any relevant information regarding the dam you plan to visit. Avoid dams or rivers where crime has become an everyday occurrence. It is hard to predict when petty crime may escalate to violent crime. With more and more people addicted to dangerous drugs such as crack, tik and nyaope you find more desperate addicts hunting for easy targets to provide their next fix.
~ Learn to defend yourself. SELF-DEFENSE has saved more than one person from the worst consequences of an attack BUT you also need to try to read the situation and decide whether attack is your best option. If someone tries to rob you, give up your property—don’t give up your life.  Sometimes all the attacker wants is your phone, wallet, car, etc. and once you calmly hand over he is happy to leave you alone.  Are you looking into a hungry man’s eyes or the eyes of a person intent on murder and destruction? I believe this is where instinct kicks in and your sixth sense makes the choice.  Trust your instincts.
~ Notify your next of kin or friends of your destination, departure and return dates / times.  CHECK IN with them every hour or so.  It is better to be over-cautious and have a quicker emergency response time should things go wrong.
~ If you feel uncomfortable in any
situation, leave!!