Finding the safest paths in Khayelitsha township, Western Cape province, South Africa

Abstract

Crime is significant in Khayelitsha, a township located near Cape Town in South Africa. Moreover, residents in Khayelitsha constantly walk to get around the township placing them at increased risk of victimisation during their commute. To address this, three methods were proposed to determine the safest walking routes between two points in Khayelitsha. Method 1 used historical crime incidents to identify high crime streets, Method 2 used the location of ‘risky facilities’ to determine risk while Method 3 used both historical crime and ‘risky facilities’ to evaluate risk along a route. Total walking distance, historical crime incidents, number of risky facilities, or type of risky facilities can each act as pedestrian preferences when selecting a route to walk. Each of these aspects impact the resultant ‘safest’ walking route in Khayelitsha. Future work should test these safe navigation methods in other geographical contexts with alternative modes of transport, crime data and types of facilities. It is encouraged that these methods be included in mobile navigation applications so that residents in Khayelitsha can be advised on the safest walking routes.