Thread: Perception of crime in South Africa

I don't know how I missed this one. Survey lays bare South Africans' perception of crime - News - Mail & Guardian Online

I thought it was interesting that more people fear robbery than murder. I know that robbery is more common than murder but my largest fear is being murdered or having a loved one murdered.

I saw this and found it interesting. I do not, however, believe everything that I read in the newspapers. I think they print what they wish us to believe and therefore the situation is probably much worse in reality.

Well the article is about the perception of crime and not about the actual crime statistics themselves. Like Steph, I feel more concerned for my personal safety and the safety of my loved ones than I am about my home being robbed when we're not home.

I'm not afraid of my things getting taken. I'm just afraid of someone hurting my family. I also worry about them getting taken for ransom because people think we have a lot and because my wife is a foreigner. I know that statistically this is unlikely but it's something I think about every day.

I'm less surprised by that statistic and more surprised that only 5.3% carried a weapon to protect themselves. That is severely low and a statistic that would be impossible in the USA. My dad carries arms as do my relatives and friends. With the world the way it is, they believe it's safer to carry a gun you'll never use rather than to not carry one when you need it the most.