South Africa

:This article is about the country called South Africa. For the region, see southern Africa.

Crime

Crime is a major problem in South Africa. According to a survey for the period 1998 - 2000 compiled by the United Nations, South Africa is ranked first for murder by firearm, manslaughter, rape, and assault. It is number two for murder, and number four for robbery. This has had a pronounced effect on society: many wealthier South Africans moved into gated communities, abandoning the central business districts of some cities for the relative security of suburbs. This effect is most pronounced in Johannesburg, although the trend is noticeable in other cities as well. Many emigrants from South Africa also state that crime was a big motivator for them to leave. South Africa also has a bad record for car hijackings. Recently the government has had a widely-publicised gun amnesty programme, to recall the many weapons floating around during the apartheid era and wars in neighbouring countries like Mozambique. The South African Police Service does not inspire confidence and makes use of private security firms to protect their police stations. Criminals have a very slim chance of ever being convicted of their crimes.

Related Topics:
United Nations - Murder - Firearm - Manslaughter - Rape - Assault - Robbery - Gated communities - Car hijackings - Gun - Amnesty - Mozambique

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