[Saba Sports News] According to German media reports, RB Leipzig are on a promotional tour in Johannesburg, South Africa, with the entire team guarded by fully armed special forces. Johannesburg is regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous cities, consistently ranking among the top five globally in this regard. Every time the players and staff leave their hotel, armed special forces personnel stand guard at the entrance. When the squad travels to impoverished townships for social welfare activities, bodyguards carrying heavy weapons walk alongside the slowly moving team bus. Police cars lead the motorcade, closing crossroads and easing heavy traffic in advance. One traffic lane outside the team’s hotel is blocked off by large fences, allowing security staff to focus on monitoring the only access point. Players are given strict codes of conduct before departures and upon arrivals: they are forbidden from leaving the hotel alone. Even group outings require security escorts, and wearing jewellery or watches is prohibited.
The editor believes that it is not advisable to visit downtown Johannesburg either day or night. The local homicide rate stands at 30 cases per 100,000 people, compared with just 0.96 in Leipzig.