South Africa can be a dangerous place. According to a survey compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, “South Africa was ranked second for assault and murder (by all means) per capita,” while the U.S. Department of State urges foreign visitors “to be vigilant and avoid any large gathering, particularly protests and demonstrations.”
However, things are evolving in the world of South African crime. Gone are the days where you could expect to be restrained and robbed with the classic tools consisting of rope or gaffer’s tape; Criminals in South Africa have a new weapon of choice: super glue.
The Register is reporting on a case where an unnamed man was pulled off the streets and forced to his home, where theives super-glued his naked body to an exercise bike. “They also glued his feet to the pedals and hands to the handlebars. Finally, his lips were sealed with the adhesive.”
Worried about being victim of this new trend in robbery? Just carry around some nail polish remover next time you’re traveling in unsavory places. “Even though Super Glue is incredibly strong, it has one weakness: acetone,” says the Superglue Corp’s guide to proper removal. “Fingernail polish remover with an acetone base has also been successful for removal of cured adhesive from skin.”