Abstract
South Africa’s high levels of violent crime have a significant effect on people’s lives. A review of the trends and risk factors associated with violent crime begs the question about who should be leading the effort to prevent violence? The South African Police Service currently has this responsibility – but is this appropriate? And which other departments should be playing a greater role?
Highlights
South Africa’s high levels of violent crime have a significant effect on people’s lives
A review of the trends and risk factors associated with violent crime begs the question about who should be leading the effort to prevent violence? The South African Police Service currently has this responsibility – but is this appropriate? And which other departments should be playing a greater role?
The South African Police Service (SAPS) performance report for the financial year 2001/2002 indicates a decrease and stabilisation in a number of serious crimes recorded by the police
Summary
South Africa’s high levels of violent crime have a significant effect on people’s lives. The report shows that over 21,400 cases of murder, nearly 540,000 cases of rape and over 116,700 cases of serious robbery were recorded in 2000/01 It is this high level of violent crime that sets South Africa apart from other crime-ridden societies. Impact of high levels of violence Victim surveys generally show that violent crimes are of major concern to the public.[2] The physical and emotional impact of these crimes is devastating for victims, their families and communities The occurrence of these crimes, coupled with the fact that this subject dominates news headlines, heightens public fear of crime. Since 1994/95 the number of murders has slowly been declining, with a slight increase in 1998/99, after which levels dropped again to 2001/02 (Figure 2) This is the only violent crime type recorded by the SAPS that clearly shows a declining trend
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
