Vanishing act: How to make sure it’s not you

While Namibia isn’t specifically known for kidnappings and our rates aren’t particularly high, past cases like the heartbreaking disappearance of nine-year-old Cheryl Avihe Ujaha in 2018, shows us that no one is safe.

More recently in August of 2023, the Namibian Police Force (NamPol) reported at least ten cases of child abuse, neglect and murder over a single weekend.

If we move over to our neighbouring country, South Africa, concern is also rising immensely, with nearly 5 000 abduction cases reported in just three months. One of the most shocking recent cases is that of six-year-old Joshlin Smith who went missing from the Saldanha Bay area in February 2024. Her mother and two accomplices have been charged with kidnapping and human trafficking after allegedly selling Smith to a sangoma (traditional healer).

This just goes to show that even in spaces where you are supposed to feel your safest, trouble is never far.



Practical tips

Here we’ll look at practical tips to help you stay safe in potentially dangerous situations. From avoiding potential threats to knowing what to do when you feel you may be at risk, these strategies will help you to feel empowered, stay alert and protect yourself from potential harm.

Remember, safety starts with awareness!

Firstly we’ll look at some tips when using transport apps like LEFA, Yango, and others.

• Verify your ride - Always double check that the car, driver and licence plate match the details provided on the app.

• Share your trip - Use the app’s “share ride” feature or the WhatsApp “live location” feature to send your trip details to a trusted friend or family member.

• Sit in the back seat - This gives you more control over your safety and provides an easy exit if necessary.

• Avoid sharing personal information - Keep conversations light and never disclose any personal information.

• Plan your pick-up location - Stay in well-lit locations and don’t wait anywhere isolated.

• Keep emergency contacts ready - Have your phone charged and emergency contacts ready.

• Trust your instincts - If something feels off, trust your gut, cancel the ride and report the driver to the respective company.



Next: Shopping trips are supposed to be fun outings, however it’s still important to stay aware of your surroundings. When in a mall or shopping centre:

• Stay alert – Avoid distractions like staring at your phone while walking. Be aware of people around you.

• Keep your belongings secure – Carry your bag close to your body, keep your phone in a secure pocket or handbag, and never leave your items unattended.

• Use main entrances – Stick to busy, well-monitored entry and exit points rather than isolated side doors.

• Be cautious of strangers – If someone approaches you with a strange request or tries to distract you, stay alert, stay kind as to not elevate the situation and walk away.

• Shop with a friend – There’s safety in numbers, so whenever possible, go with someone you trust and work in a buddy system.

• Have a safety plan – If you ever feel unsafe, head to a security guard, a store employee, or a busy area where help is easily and readily available.

• Don’t flash around valuables – Keep cash, expensive jewellery, and high-end gadgets such as cellphones, tablets and iPads out of sight to avoid attracting attention.

• Trust your instincts – If something doesn’t feel right, leave the area and report anything suspicious to security.



No matter where you are, whether you are at home, at a friend's house, at school or in any other public space, the most important thing is personal safety and taking care of yourself. These tips will keep you safe no matter the place or situation:



• Be aware of your surroundings – Always pay attention to what’s happening around you, especially in unfamiliar or crowded areas.

• Trust your instincts – If something feels off, don’t ignore it. Your gut feeling is often your best warning system.

• Keep emergency contacts handy – Save important numbers on speed dial, including family, friends, and emergency services.

• Share your location – Let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

• Avoid walking alone at night – If possible, walk with a group or stick to well-lit, busy areas.

• Be smart with social media – Avoid sharing your live location or personal plans publicly.

• Carry a personal safety tool – Items like a whistle, pepper spray, or even a flashlight can be useful in emergencies.

• Know escape routes – Whether in a building, a car, or an open space, always be aware of the nearest exit.

• Be cautious with strangers – Not everyone has good intentions; avoid giving out personal information or accepting rides from people you don’t trust.

• Stay calm in emergencies – If you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, try to stay as calm as possible and think strategically about your next move.



In a world where dangers are unpredictable, the best defence you have is awareness and preparation. By staying alert and trusting your instincts the risk of finding yourself in a dangerous situation is much less. Whether you’re using cab services, visiting malls, or just having a normal day, little tricks can make a big difference.



Stay aware, stay cautious and always put your own well-being first. If you ever feel unsafe, don’t think twice about reaching out for help. The more we look out for ourselves and each other, the safer our communities will be.