South
Africa has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world and although
the majority of this violence takes place in the poorer areas, crime is a
major concern for the entire population. While South Africa’s overall
reported crime rate is not overwhelmingly high – South Africa is reported
to have a lower house burglary rate than Australia or New Zealand - the
rate of violent crime is very high.
With
a population of 47 million South Africa accounts for around 20,000 murders
per year - numbers vary dramatically depending on the source but according
to official government statistics there were 18,487 murders in the year
2007/2008.
A
breakdown in the crime statistics recorded between 1 April 2007 and 31
March 2008 as reported by the SA Police Service:
The
figures are arranged in the number of incidents per 100 000 people.
-
Murder: 18 487 cases reported, 38,6 incidents.
-
Attempted murder: 18 795 cases reported, 39,3
incidents.
-
Assault GBH: 210 104 cases reported, 439,1
incidents.
-
Common assault: 198 049 cases reported, 413,9
incidents.
-
Common robbery 64 985 cases reported, 135,8
incidents.
-
Arson: 7 396 cases reported, 15,5 incidents.
-
Malicious damage to property: 136 968 cases reported, 286,2
incidents.
-
Burglary at residential premises: 237 853 cases reported, 497,1 incidents.
-
Burglary at non-residential premises: 62 995 cases reported, 131,7 incidents.
-
Motor vehicle and motorcycle theft: 8 8226 cases reported, 167,7 incidents.
-
Theft out of motor vehicles: 111 661 cases reported, 233,4
incidents.
-
Stock theft; 28 778 cases reported, 60,1
incidents.
-
Illegal possession of firearms or ammunition: 13 476 cases reported, 28,2 incidents.
Crime
has had a pronounced effect on South African society with many middle-class South Africans moving into gated
communities and abandoning the central business districts of the major
cities. This effect is most pronounced in Johannesburg, although the trend
is noticeable in other cities as well.
Many South African emigrating from their country state that crime
was a big motivator for them to leave.
The
US Department of State has posed the following comment concerning crime in
South Arica.
March
2008
Although
the vast majority of visitors complete their travels in South Africa
without incident, visitors should be aware that criminal activity, often
violent, occurs routinely.
Notwithstanding government anti-crime efforts, violent crimes such
as armed robbery, carjacking, mugging, "smash and grab" attacks
on vehicles, and other incidents are regularly reported by visitors and
resident Americans.
Visitors
and residents are advised of ongoing criminal activity involving organized
crime gangs targeting individuals at shopping centers and in particular at
the OR Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg. Once a victim has been identified, he/she
is followed back to his/her residence and robbed, usually at gunpoint,
although the use of force is generally reserved for those offering some
form of resistance. These gangs tend
to target more “affluent” individuals, including people driving expensive
cars, wearing eye-catching jewelry, flashing large amounts of cash, and/or
making high-value purchases.
Criminals also gravitate towards “soft” targets – people who appear
preoccupied and do not pay attention to their immediate surroundings. Tourists are being targeted in a similar
fashion at the airport. It appears
some airport personnel may be involved in the activity, apparently tipping
off criminals waiting outside the airport once tourists have declared
valuables and cash.
Motorists
are urged to be extremely cautious when approaching intersections and to
hide bags, cell phones, and other valuables from view. Criminals are on the lookout for valuable
items they can see through the car windows (see mention of “smash and grab”
under traffic safety). Doors should
be kept locked and windows rolled up at all times.
Crimes
against property, such as carjacking, have often been accompanied by
violent acts, including murder, when victims resist or are slow to respond
to attackers’ demands. South Africa
also has the highest incidence of reported rape in the world. Foreigners are not specifically targeted,
but several have been the victims of rape.
Victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged
to seek immediate medical attention, including antiretroviral therapy
against HIV/AIDS. Questions about
how to receive such treatment should be directed to the nearest U.S.
Embassy or Consulate.
Criminal
activity, such as assault, armed robbery, and theft is particularly high in
areas surrounding many hotels and public transportation centers, especially
in major cities. Theft of passports
and other valuables is most likely to occur at airports, bus terminals, and
train stations. A number of
Americans have been mugged or violently attacked on commuter and metro trains,
especially between Johannesburg and Pretoria. Several American travelers
also reported theft of personal belongings after strangers whom they
invited into their hotel drugged them. In at least one instance, an
American died after being drugged and robbed in this manner.
There
is a serious baggage pilferage problem at OR Tambo, Johannesburg and Cape
Town International airports, particularly affecting travelers changing
airlines and those flying on smaller airlines—passengers flying on major
international carriers may not be affected to the same degree. Travelers are encouraged to secure their
luggage with Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locks,
use an airport plastic wrapping service, and avoid placing electronics,
jewelry, cameras or other valuables in checked luggage. Make an inventory of items in checked
baggage to aid in claims processing if theft does occur.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1008.html
©
2008 Progressive Initiative. The
Progressive Initiative rejects all forms of discrimination, embraces
democracy and encourages transparent politics. The views expressed in this
site are those of its members.