Jaynes, Natalie. 2013 ‘Trend Lines: Armed Violence in South Africa.’ Small Arms Survey 2013: Everyday Dangers; Chapter 6, pp. 133-159. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press and the Small Arms Survey, the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, Geneva. 2 July

Relevant contents

Homicides, including gun homicides, have been in steady decline since 1994, and national legislation appears to be partly responsible, though further action is needed. Some socio-economic indicators are similarly improving. But South Africa's income inequality and homicide rates are still among the world's highest, and available evidence suggests that inequality remains an important driver of armed violence.

Since 1994, homicide rates in South Africa have dropped significantly.

South Africa's homicide rate is approximately four times the global average. According to available data, South Africa has had an 'extremely high violent death rate' since 1994, with annual homicide rates above 30 per 100,000 people. The country's highest homicide rates were recorded in 1994, when 66.9 per 100,000 people were killed. By 2011–12, the rate had dropped to 30.9, a 54 per cent decrease (see Figure 6.1)…

Last accessed at:
http://www.smallarmssurvey.org