In 2024, South Africa had a crime index of 75.4, which is to be considered high. However, this was one of the lowest indexes recorded in the country since 2017. Over the observed period, the value continuously fluctuated between 75 and 77. South Africa has the highest crime index in Africa and ranks as the fifth most dangerous country globally according to the same index.

In 2025, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a crime rate of 82 per 100,000 inhabitants. Five of the 10 cities with the highest crime rates worldwide are found in South Africa. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. South Africa dominates crime statistics When looking at crime rates, among the 10 most dangerous cities in the world, half of them are found in South Africa. The country is struggling with extremely high levels of inequality, and is struggling with high levels of crime and power outages, harming the country's economy and driving more people into unemployment and poverty. Crime in Latin America On the other hand, when looking at murder rates, Latin America dominates the list of the world's most dangerous countries. Violence in Latin America is caused in great part by drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and gang wars.

According to monthly surveys conducted from January 2023 to December 2024, the share of the respondents in South Africa worried about crime and violence in the country was one of the highest among the countries taking part in the online study. During the period under review, the share of participants concerned about violence and crime in South Africa fluctuated between ** percent, observed in January 2023, and a peak of ** percent, registered in March 2023. This notable increase in concerned respondents is likely due to the escalating levels of violent crime the country is experiencing.

As of February 21, 2025, Africa recorded slightly over ***** new violent attacks against civilians. Over ****** cases of this nature were recorded on the continent in full year 2024, which was a peak considering the period reviewed. In contrast, the lowest number of violent events against civil citizens occurred in 2006, at ***.

As of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, ****** women in South Africa were reported as victims of selected contact crimes. Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm had the highest number of incidences, with ****** cases. This accounts for approximately ** percent of the overall number of assaults GBH registered.

In present times, gender-based violence (GBV) is a global scourge. It is highly prevalent in South Africa, where the rates of incidents are exorbitant, particularly those of sexual violence against women. The goal of this paper is to explore the implications of factors such as societal norms affected by the country’s unique historical circumstances that promote rising rates of gender-based violence, significant underreporting of these instances, sexual violence and the consequences for the survivors. The paper uses secondary data to study the intersectionality of gender, population group (race), socio-economic status, and geographical location. We further analyze the sociodemographic of GBV (particularly rape) victims and perpetrators to put the focus on better and more gender-responsive prevention strategies. The paper highlights the importance of paying attention to intimate partner violence (IPV) as this constitutes a highly significant percentage of the total cases of rape and femicide. The study shows that non-white women constitute the most vulnerable group to GBV. We conclude that proper mechanisms must be put in place which require the cooperation of the police, judicial, medical, social and other support services to properly tackle this violence which must account for every population group, especially the historically marginalized ones.Citation: Alvarez Merino, E., & Afa, I. J. (2025). Exploring the Complexities of Gender-Based Violence in South Africa: A Comprehensive Analysis. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 15, 26-38. https://doi.org/10.1080/ijhss.v15p3URL: https://ijhssnet.com/journal/index/5011

Number, percentage and rate (per 100,000 population) of homicide victims, by racialized identity group (total, by racialized identity group; racialized identity group; South Asian; Chinese; Black; Filipino; Arab; Latin American; Southeast Asian; West Asian; Korean; Japanese; other racialized identity group; multiple racialized identity; racialized identity, but racialized identity group is unknown; rest of the population; unknown racialized identity group), gender (all genders; male; female; gender unknown) and region (Canada; Atlantic region; Quebec; Ontario; Prairies region; British Columbia; territories), 2019 to 2024.

The size of the South Africa Data Center Physical Security Market market was valued at USD 16.42 Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 90.43 Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 27.60% during the forecast period. Recent developments include: October 2023: Zwipe partnered with Schneider Electric's Security Solutions Group. Schneider Electric plans to introduce the Zwipe Access fingerprint-scanning smart card to its clientele. This card will be integrated with Schneider Electric's Continuum and Security Expert platforms, serving a client base from airports, transportation, healthcare, data centers, and more., April 2023: Schneider Electric launched EcoCare for Modular Data Centers services membership. Members of this innovative service benefit from specialized expertise to maximize modular data centers' uptime with 24/7 proactive remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Adoption of Access Control Systems Owing to Rising Crime Rates and Threats, Advancements in Video Surveillance Systems Connected to Cloud Systems. Potential restraints include: Operational and Return On Investment Concerns. Notable trends are: IT and Telecom to Hold Significant Share.

The South Africa Data Center Physical Security Market is booming, with a projected CAGR of 27.60% to 2033. Driven by cloud computing adoption and stringent regulations, this market offers lucrative opportunities for investors and vendors of video surveillance, access control, and other security solutions. Learn more about market trends and key players. Recent developments include: October 2023: Zwipe partnered with Schneider Electric's Security Solutions Group. Schneider Electric plans to introduce the Zwipe Access fingerprint-scanning smart card to its clientele. This card will be integrated with Schneider Electric's Continuum and Security Expert platforms, serving a client base from airports, transportation, healthcare, data centers, and more., April 2023: Schneider Electric launched EcoCare for Modular Data Centers services membership. Members of this innovative service benefit from specialized expertise to maximize modular data centers' uptime with 24/7 proactive remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Adoption of Access Control Systems Owing to Rising Crime Rates and Threats, Advancements in Video Surveillance Systems Connected to Cloud Systems. Potential restraints include: Growing Adoption of Access Control Systems Owing to Rising Crime Rates and Threats, Advancements in Video Surveillance Systems Connected to Cloud Systems. Notable trends are: IT and Telecom to Hold Significant Share.

The Africa Data Center Physical Security Market is booming, projected to reach $42.69 million in 2025 with a 19.10% CAGR. Driven by cloud adoption and digital transformation, this market offers significant opportunities for video surveillance, access control, and other security solutions across key sectors. Learn more about market trends and key players. Recent developments include: October 2023: Zwipe partnered with Schneider Electric’s Security Solutions Group. Schneider Electric will introduce its clientele to the Zwipe Access fingerprint-scanning smart card. This card will be integrated with Schneider Electric’s Continuum and Security Expert platforms, serving a client base from sectors, including airports, transportation, healthcare, and data centers., April 2023: Schneider Electric launched a new service offer, EcoCare for Modular Data Centers services membership. Members of this innovative service plan benefit from specialized expertise to maximize modular data centers' uptime with 24/7 proactive remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance.. Key drivers for this market are: Growing Adoption of Access Control Systems Owing to Rising Crime Rates and Threats, Advancements in Video Surveillance Systems Connected to Cloud Systems. Potential restraints include: Growing Adoption of Access Control Systems Owing to Rising Crime Rates and Threats, Advancements in Video Surveillance Systems Connected to Cloud Systems. Notable trends are: The IT and Telecom Segment to Hold Significant Share.

As of the 2022/2023 fiscal year, close to 53,500 South Africans reported being a victim of a sexual crime. Of those, around 80 percent registered being raped, while close to 7,500 South Africans disclosed being sexually assaulted. In the last decade, the total number of sexual offenses peaked in the FY 2012/2013 at about 60,900 cases.

According to cognitive market research, the global forensic equipment and supplies market size was valued at USD xx billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD xx billion at a CAGR of xx% during the forecast period.

Forensic equipment and supplies refer to the tools, instruments, and materials used by forensic investigators and scientists to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence at a crime scene.
North America now holds a dominant market share due to the existence of large manufacturers, technological improvements, and government programs aimed at improving forensic services.
Europe is the second-largest market for forensic equipment and supplies, with a significant demand from government forensic laboratories and research facilities.
The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness significant growth in the forensic equipment and supplies market because of the rising need for forensic services and the increased attention being paid to forensic infrastructure development.
With a spectacular CAGR rise over the projection period, the Middle East and Africa also play significant roles in the worldwide market.

Market Dynamics of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

Key Drivers of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

The rising crime rate across the globe is a major driver of the market. 

Criminal activity is evolving into increasingly complex and elusive forms of expression. The number of crimes has dramatically grown, including killings, financial fraud, data theft, cybersecurity breaches, piracy, and theft and burglaries. New-generation forensic tools and supplies must be used to speed up investigations due to the evolving nature of crime, the growing burden on law enforcement agencies, and the complexity of crime. As a result, to effectively handle the increasing burden, governments everywhere are extending their forensic units. This in turn fuels the need for various forensic tools and materials. Demands for government action to combat crime were more common in nations where crime rates had increased. Respondents in nations like South Africa and Turkey believe that there has been an increase in crime in the last year, but they do not think that government action on the matter should be prioritized. These are often nations that are experiencing persistent economic problems, such as South Africa's high unemployment rate, and Turkey's extreme inflation. • For instance, On November 21, 2022, the US Department of Justice (DoJ)’s Office of Justice Programs announced almost USD 160 million in funding to support crime investigation laboratories, fund forensics research, reduce DNA backlogs, and aid investigators in locating missing persons and recognizing the remains of humans.

Rising acceptance of DNA profiling in criminology will propel the market growth

DNA samples taken at the scene of the crime aid in the precise and speedy investigation of crimes. The market participants are being encouraged to commercialize DNA testing kits and improve their accessibility to international forensic entities through advancements in forensic science technology. The need for forensic tools and DNA collection is also anticipated to increase as more people become aware of the many benefits made possible by DNA profiling solutions. Furthermore, it is projected that the market's growth potential will be expanded by the increasing integration of cutting-edge technology and the surge in social investment in forensic sciences improvement. DNA may be used to identify possible criminals and link specific people to a crime by proving they were there at a particular site. The effectiveness of the criminal justice system is further enhanced by DNA profiling. An alpha-numeric value that is computed and shown as a result of the DNA analysis procedure is called a DNA profile. DNA analysis is an intelligence technique that may be used to identify, confirm, or remove a suspect in a criminal investigation. By comparing DNA profiles from different crime sites, it may also be used to identify victims of crime or disasters and to establish connections between crimes.

Restraints of the Forensic Equipment and Supplies Market

Lack of technical knowledge or technical professionals is restraining the market growth.

Even for those who have no experience with digital evidence or computer science, technology has to be easy t...

As of the 2023/2024 fiscal year, a total of ****** children in South Africa were reported as victims of a select few contact crimes. Around ** percent of these crimes committed against children were categorized under assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, with ***** reports. Attempted murder followed, which contributed around ** percent to the summation of the selected contact crimes.