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 2024, Pietermaritzburg in South Africa ranked first in the crime index among African cities, scoring 82.5 index points. The six most dangerous areas on the continent were South African cities. Furthermore, Pretoria and Johannesburg followed, with a score of 81.9 and 80.8 points, respectively. The index estimates the overall level of crime in a specific territory. According to the score, crime levels are classified as very high (over 80), high (60-80), moderate (40-60), low (20-40), and very low (below 20). Contact crimes are common in South Africa Contact crimes in South Africa include violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and sexual offenses, as well as common assault and robbery. In fiscal year 2022/2023, the suburb of Johannesburg Central in the Gauteng province of South Africa had the highest number of contact crime incidents. Common assault was the main contributing type of offense to the overall number of contact crimes. Household robberies peak in certain months In South Africa, June, July, and December experienced the highest number of household robberies in 2023. June and July are the months that provide the most hours of darkness, thus allowing criminals more time to break in and enter homes without being detected easily. In December, most South Africans decide to go away on holiday, leaving their homes at risk for a potential break-in. On the other hand, only around 42 percent of households affected by robbery reported it to the police in the fiscal year 2022/2023.

South Africa crime rate per 100K population for 2021 was 41.87, a 23.26% increase from 2020.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>South Africa crime rate per 100K population for 2020 was <strong>33.96</strong>, a <strong>7.48% decline</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>South Africa crime rate per 100K population for 2019 was <strong>36.71</strong>, a <strong>0.14% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>South Africa crime rate per 100K population for 2018 was <strong>36.66</strong>, a <strong>2.11% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
</ul>Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded.

South Africa murder/homicide rate per 100K population for 2021 was 41.87, a 23.26% increase from 2020.

<ul style='margin-top:20px;'>

<li>South Africa murder/homicide rate per 100K population for 2020 was <strong>33.96</strong>, a <strong>7.48% decline</strong> from 2019.</li>
<li>South Africa murder/homicide rate per 100K population for 2019 was <strong>36.71</strong>, a <strong>0.14% increase</strong> from 2018.</li>
<li>South Africa murder/homicide rate per 100K population for 2018 was <strong>36.66</strong>, a <strong>2.11% increase</strong> from 2017.</li>
</ul>Intentional homicides are estimates of unlawful homicides purposely inflicted as a result of domestic disputes, interpersonal violence, violent conflicts over land resources, intergang violence over turf or control, and predatory violence and killing by armed groups. Intentional homicide does not include all intentional killing; the difference is usually in the organization of the killing. Individuals or small groups usually commit homicide, whereas killing in armed conflict is usually committed by fairly cohesive groups of up to several hundred members and is thus usually excluded.

In FY 2022/2023, the suburb of Johannesburg Central in the Gauteng province of South Africa had the highest number of contact crime recorded incidents, with 4,208 reports. Nyanga (Western Cape) followed with 4,045 reports. Combining the number of incidents in all 15 hot-spot areas accounts for around eight percent of the total number of contact crimes in the observed period.

Abstract

The Victims of Crime Survey (VCS) is a countrywide household-based survey which collects data on the prevalence of particular kinds of crime within South Africa. The survey includes information on victimisation experienced by individuals and households and their perspectives on community responses to crime. Therefore, VCS data can be used for research in the development of policies and strategies for crime prevention and public safety and education programmes. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) conducted its first VCS in 1998. Following the VCS 1998, victims surveys were conducted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS). Since 2011, StatsSA began conducting an annual collection of the VCS as a source of information on crime in South Africa. The main objectives of the survey are to:

• Provide information about the dynamics of crime from the perspective of households and the victims of crime.

• Explore public perceptions of the activities of the police, prosecutors, courts and correctional services in the prevention of crime and victimisation.

• Provide complimentary data on the level of crime within South Africa in addition to the statistics published annually by the South African Police Service.

The VCS 2011 is the second release in the collection and is comparable to the VCS 1998 and all subsequent releases. However, the VCS 2011 is not comparable to new Governance, Public Safety and Justice Survey (GPSJS). StatsSA launched the GPSJS in April 2018 in response to the need for standardised international reporting standards on governance and access to justice that are recommended by the SDGs, ShaSA and Agenda 2063.

Geographic coverage

The survey has national coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The target population of the survey consists of all private households in all nine provinces of South Africa, as well as residents in workers’ hostels. The survey does not cover other collective living quarters such as students’ hostels, old-age homes, hospitals, prisons and military barracks. It is only representative of non-institutionalised and non-military persons or households in South Africa.

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

The VCS 2011 used a master sample (MS) originally designed for the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) as a sampling frame. The MS is based on information collected during the 2001 Population Census conducted by Stats SA. The MS has been developed as a general-purpose household survey frame that can be used by all household-based surveys irrespective of the sample size requirement of the survey. The VCS 2012 uses an MS of primary sampling units (PSUs) which comprise census enumeration areas (EAs) that are drawn from across the country.

The sample used a stratified two-stage design with probability-proportional-to-size (PPS) sampling of PSUs in the first stage, and sampling of dwelling units (DUs) with systematic sampling in the second stage. The sample was designed to be representative at provincial level. A self-weighting design at provincial level was used and MS stratification was divided into two levels. Primary stratification was defined by metropolitan and non-metropolitan geographic area type. During secondary stratification, the Census 2001 data were summarised at PSU level. The following variables were used for secondary stratification: household size, education, occupancy status, gender, industry and income.

A randomised probability proportional to size (RPPS) systematic sample of PSUs was drawn in each stratum, with the measure of size being the number of households in the PSU. The sample size of 3 080 PSUs was selected. In each selected PSU a systematic sample of dwelling units was drawn. The number of DUs selected per PSU varies from PSU to PSU and depends on the inverse sampling ratios (ISR) of each PSU. The sample size for the VCS 2011 is 29 754 dwelling units.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The VOCS 2011 questionnaire was based on the questionnaires used in the International Crime Victim Survey (ICVS) and previous VOCSs conducted by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Statistics SA.

Sections 10 to 20 of the questionnaire relate to household crimes. A proxy respondent (preferably head of the household or acting head of household) answered on behalf of the household. Section 21 to 27 of the questionnaire about crimes on individuals were asked of a household member who was selected using the birthday section method. This methodology selects an individual who is 16 years or older, whose birthday is soonest after the survey date.

Cleaning operations

Capture was undertaken on Epi-Info. A process of double capture was undertaken in order to eliminate capture error.

Data appraisal

Comparability:

The VCS 2011 is comparable to the previous VCSs in that several questions have remained unchanged over time. Where possible, it was generally indicated in the report. However, it is important to note that the sample size for the VCS 2011 is much bigger than any of the preceding surveys, and the data should be considered more reliable than the earlier surveys especially at lower levels of disaggregation. The current survey can thus provide more accurate estimates than the previous surveys, for example at provincial level and for domain variables, such as gender and race. Caution should be exercised when running cross tabulation of different crimes by province and other variables as in most cases the reported cases were too few for this type of analysis.

Suburb-based crime statistics for crimes against the person and crimes against property. The Crime statistics datasets contain all offences against the person and property that were reported to police in that respective financial year. The Family and Domestic Abuse-related offences datasets are a subset of this, in that a separate file is presented for these offences that were flagged as being of a family and domestic abuse nature for that financial year. Consequently the two files for the same financial year must not be added together.

Abstract

The victims of crime survey 1998 was commissioned by the South African Department of Safety and Security (DSS), and undertaken by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA). The first national survey of its kind in South Africa, this countrywide, household-based survey examines crime from the point of view of the victim. While surveys of crime victims cannot replace police statistics, they can provide a rich source of information which will assist in the planning of crime prevention. A victim survey can also examine the extent of reporting of crime, explore the perceptions that different people have about the police and police services, and act as a benchmark against which future surveys of the same nature can be compared.

Geographic coverage

The survey has national coverage

Analysis unit

Households and individuals

Universe

The survey covered all households in South Africa

Kind of data

Sample survey data

Sampling procedure

The sample consisted of 4 000 people aged 16 years or more. It was drawn in three stages. Firstly, a probability sample of 800 enumerator areas (EAs) was drawn from the sampling frame of 86 000 EAs, as demarcated for the 1996 population census. This sample was stratified explicitly by province, and implicitly by the 42 police districts of the country. Secondly, within each of the 800 EAs, five households were selected for interviewing, using systematic sampling. Thirdly, one respondent aged 16 years or more was selected to be interviewed in each of the five households in each sampled EA. This person was chosen using a table of random numbers. Once a respondent had been selected, fieldworkers were instructed to make sure that they interviewed only that specific person and nobody else. In case of non-contacts with that person, repeated callbacks (at least three) had to be made. There were no substitutions for refusals or non-contacts.

Mode of data collection

Face-to-face [f2f]

Research instrument

The survey questionnaire was based on a standard international questionnaire, but with certain modifications for use in South Africa. The international questionnaire covered eleven main crimes, including theft of a car or other motor vehicle, theft from a car or other vehicle, car vandalism, theft of a motor cycle or scooter, theft of a bicycle, burglary or housebreaking, attempted burglary, robbery with force, personal theft, sexual incidents and assault and two supplementary crimes (consumer fraud and corruption). In the South African questionnaire, the following crimes were added on the recommendation of the advisory committee to meet specific South African needs: theft of livestock, poultry and other animals, hijacking or attempted hijacking of vehicles, deliberate damage, burning or destruction of dwellings and deliberate killing or murder.

A control questionnaire was administered by the fieldwork supervisor in one of the five households selected for participation in each enumerator area. This served as a check on the accuracy of the random selection process of the individual in the household, and of the quality of information collected. The survey was favourably received, and 97% of the sample was realised.

Cleaning operations

The processes of computer programming, data capture and data analysis involved several steps: A tabulation plan was drawn up beforehand to assist with writing the computer programme for data capture. The data-input programme, containing both range and consistency checks, was written by a programmer working in Stats SA's Directorate of Household Surveys. Coding of the questionnaires and data capture were handled by temporary staff. Once the capturing was completed, additional editing programmes were written, and then the data-cleaning process was completed. Tables from the dataset, based on the tabulation plan, and the data set itself were then made available for analysis and report-writing.

As of the fiscal year 2023/2024, the total number of contact crimes in South Africa amounted to 678,701 cases. This represents an increase of around 3.8 percent from the previous year. The category with the highest number of criminal incidences was common assault, with 190,399 reported cases. Moreover, attempted murder saw the largest percentage increase at 13.2 percent.

: In South Africa, the interlacing socio-economic challenges of crime and high unemployment have long been a cause for concern. These challenges have also prompted extensive attention from scholars. Thus, the relationship between crime and unemployment emerges as one of the important niche areas of inquiry. The study used time series data from 1995 to 2020 to address this nexus. An Autoregressive Distributive Lag was deemed fit for this study as the data properties point to its use.

The average for 2017 based on 10 countries was 7.1 homicides per 100,000 people. The highest value was in South Africa: 35.9 homicides per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Benin: 1.1 homicides per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 1990 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The 20 police stations as at 31 Jul 2015 with the highest murder rates per 100 000 population in South Africa, using the mid-term population figures released annually by Statistics SA (which are based on the 2011 census data).

Research by Lizette Lancaster, ISS Manager at the Crime and Justice Information Hub, Governance, Crime and Justice Division, ISS Pretoria and Ellen Kamman, Independent Researcher

According to the organized crime index, the synthetic drug trade was the most prevalent criminal market in South Africa in 2023, obtaining 8.5 index points. At a regional level, Southern Africa scored the highest index for fauna crimes, with South Africa being one of the main contributors at 8 points.

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...

The average for 2017 based on 65 countries was 1.8 kidnappings per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Belgium: 10.3 kidnappings per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Bermuda: 0 kidnappings per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 2003 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

The average for 2017 based on 79 countries was 105 robberies per 100,000 people. The highest value was in Costa Rica: 1587 robberies per 100,000 people and the lowest value was in Oman: 1 robberies per 100,000 people. The indicator is available from 2003 to 2017. Below is a chart for all countries where data are available.

Snapshot img

Self Defense Products Market Size 2025-2029

The self defense products market size is forecast to increase by USD 937.2 million at a CAGR of 6.8% between 2024 and 2029.

The market experiences robust growth, fueled by escalating personal safety concerns and increasing government initiatives aimed at safeguarding citizens. These factors create a significant demand for self defense solutions, particularly in regions with high crime rates. However, market expansion encounters challenges, including regulatory hurdles that impact adoption and the proliferation of fraudulent and counterfeit self defense products. Manufacturers must navigate these obstacles by adhering to stringent regulatory guidelines and implementing robust quality control measures to ensure product authenticity. Additionally, innovation and technological advancements in self defense solutions, such as smart personal safety devices and non-lethal weapons, offer lucrative opportunities for companies to differentiate themselves and cater to evolving consumer needs. Plastic components are increasingly being used for various self-defense tools, such as lightweight, durable handles and holsters, contributing to product accessibility and affordability.
By staying informed of these trends and addressing challenges effectively, businesses can capitalize on the market's growth potential and maintain a competitive edge.

What will be the Size of the Self Defense Products Market during the forecast period?

Request Free Sample

The self-defense industry in the US continues to evolve, with a focus on portability and technological advancements to address safety concerns in various sectors. The market encompasses weapons such as projectile-based self-defense tools like pepper spray, which induces temporary blindness, and tactical gloves, as well as home security devices like smart safety alarms. Stalking and violence, including robbery, remain significant concerns for women and the disabled. Online channels have become essential, offering personalized shopping experiences for the best self-defense products.
Technological innovations, such as AI-enabled devices, are increasingly popular. Martial arts instruction and techniques remain crucial for self-defense education. Awareness initiatives and empowerment are key drivers, with solutions extending to the workplace. Offline channels, including tactile products like folding knives and stun guns, continue to hold relevance. Cybersecurity is a growing concern, with online retailers implementing

How is this Self Defense Products Industry segmented?

The self defense products industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Distribution Channel

  Offline
  Online


Product

  Folding knives
  Tactical gloves
  Pepper sprays
  Stun guns
  Others


Material

  Metal
  Polymer and plastic
  Chemical-based


End-user

  Law enforcement
  Civilians
  Security personnel
  Military and defense


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    The Netherlands
    UK


  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Rest of World (ROW)

By Distribution Channel Insights

The offline segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In the market, offline distribution channels continue to hold significant weight. Consumers prioritize personal safety and often prefer the tactile experience and immediate access to products offered by physical stores. Brick-and-mortar businesses, such as specialized self defense shops and sporting goods outlets, provide expert advice and product demonstrations, bolstering customer confidence. These establishments also adhere to local regulations and age restrictions, ensuring responsible sales of self defense equipment. Products like pepper sprays, stun guns, and personal alarms are commonly found in offline retailers. They cater to various safety needs, including women's self-defense, safety for children and the elderly, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness.

Neighborhood watch programs and self-defense classes are also often organized through local community centers and offline channels. Offline distribution channels continue to evolve, with personalized shopping experiences and home security devices becoming increasingly popular. Product variety caters to beginners and advanced users alike, addressing threats in everyday life, such as bullying, harassment, assault, and stalking. Companies continue to invest in offline channels, recognizing the importance of face-to-face interactions and the trust they build with customers. Moreover, offline self-defense training and techniques remain essential for seniors and individuals with disabilitie

In FY 2024, Harare in the Western Cape province of South Africa had the highest number of carjackings, with 385 recorded incidences. This accounts for around two percent of the total number of carjackings in the observed period. Nyanga (Western Cape) followed with 338 reports.

In 2024, Colima in Mexico ranked as the world's most dangerous city with a homicide rate of 140 per 100,000 inhabitants. Seven of the 10 cities with the highest murder rates worldwide are found in Mexico. The list does not include countries where war and conflict exist. Latin America dominates murder statistics Except for Mandela Bay, all the cities on the list are found in Latin America. Latin America also dominate 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. Crime in South Africa Mandela Bay in South Africa is the only city outside Latin America among the 10 most dangerous cities worldwide. 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.