Recent shooting incidents in Umhlanga, Westville, Mount Edgecombe, La Mercy and Pinetown, together with ongoing cash-in-transit heists, are a reminder that gunfire can erupt in public spaces at any time. While these attacks rarely target members of the public, innocent bystanders can easily be caught in the crossfire during the chaos. Blue Security urges residents to stay calm, stay alert and know how to act if they ever find themselves in these situations.
“Your safety is always the number one priority,” says Stephen Wimborne, Commercial Director at Blue Security. “We do not want the public to feel fearful, but we do want people to feel prepared. Awareness and quick thinking can make all the difference when danger arises.”
Be observant
There is no way to fully prepare for a shooting, but awareness of your surroundings helps you to act quickly if needed. Notice entrances, exits and suspicious behaviour. Whether you are walking through your neighbourhood, at a restaurant, or at a shopping mall, always try to keep yourself in a position where you can see the main entry points and remain vigilant.
If shots are fired
Your instinct may be to duck or run, but think before you act. Choose your exit carefully and avoid rushing with the crowd if it looks unsafe. Grab your phone if possible, as it will be vital to call for help once you are safe, but never go back for belongings. Once clear of the scene, do not return. If escape is not possible, hide low behind a solid barrier, stay as quiet as you can, and keep calm while planning your next move should you need to relocate.
If you have children with you
Children will take their lead from you, so staying calm is essential. Use a steady voice and firm but gentle movements to guide them. Hold their hand tightly or carry younger children to prevent them from running off in panic, and move quietly toward the nearest safe exit. If escape is not possible, hide together in a secure spot, keeping low and quiet.
If you are in your car, keep your children down in the back seat, ensure the doors are locked and only drive away if it is safe to do so. Avoid hooting, sudden movements or anything that could draw attention to your vehicle.
Using your phone
Once you are safe, use your phone to contact authorities immediately. Provide details about your location and what you saw, such as the shooter’s movements or direction of escape. Avoid filming or sharing content online during the incident, as this can put you at greater risk and drain your battery when you may need it most.
Cash-in-transit heists
If you find yourself near a cash-in-transit robbery, your best defense is to remain calm and avoid drawing attention. On a freeway, do not attempt to turn around or reverse against traffic. Instead, slow down, increase your following distance and, if necessary, pull over at a safe distance until the situation clears, keeping your doors locked and staying low in your seat. In residential or urban areas, where you are generally driving at a slower speed with more route options, turn calmly onto a side road or drive away in the opposite direction of the incident, avoiding sudden or aggressive manoeuvres that could draw attention. Once you are out of danger, contact the police and provide as much detail as possible.
“These syndicates are highly trained and dangerous, which is why we urge the public never to intervene,” Wimborne says. “Every action should be centred on protecting your own life and the lives of those around you.”
Emotional wellbeing
Witnessing a shooting can be traumatic even if you are not physically harmed. Local organisations such as LifeLine Durban, The Open Door Crisis Centre, TraumaCall and Careline Crisis & Trauma Centre are available to provide counselling and support for anyone after such an event.
“Incidents involving gunfire are overwhelming for anyone,” Wimborne says. “If you ever find yourself in that position, remember that your safety comes first. Focus on getting yourself out of danger, staying calm and calling for help once you are safe.”
