Focus on Africa South Africa releases crime stats
May 23, 2025
Guests Patrick Bond, a sociologist, Jebedu Francis Kere, an architect known for designing a mausoleum for Thomas Sankara, and Martha Karua, a Kenyan human rights lawyer, bring diverse perspectives. They discuss troubling crime statistics in South Africa, the historical roots of violence, and the prevailing socio-economic challenges. Martha highlights democratic backsliding in East Africa, with activists facing dire consequences. Jebedu shares insights on the mausoleum's design, symbolizing resilience and hope amidst the quest for justice and empowerment.
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Crime Victims Are Mostly Black
- The majority black population in South Africa is most affected by violent crime, including murder, rape, and robbery.
- Claims of targeted attacks on white farmers are largely unfounded according to official police data.
South Africa’s High Murder Rate
- South Africa ranks third highest worldwide for murder rates, driven by widespread gun availability.
- High crime has led to over a million employed security guards, reflecting social inequality and weak policing.
Gendered Violence Rooted in Structure
- Domestic violence and rape are structurally embedded, linked to patriarchal systems and migrant labor.
- Women's empowerment groups have suffered funding cuts, weakening collective efforts to combat violence.