Crime in South Africa
South Africa is ranked as a middle-income country by the UN with a well-developed and diversified economy. South Africa alone contributes to a great part of the GDP of the whole African continents. It is a country of contrasts where some aspects of live are comparable to other developed nations as well as areas and whole regions that lack even basic infrastructure.
The country is troubled by very high rates of crime that reflect the social difference and inequality that exist in the country. According to research done by the United Nations South Africa has been ranked second in the world for murder and first for assault and rapes per capita. Statistics say that more than 50 people are killed every day in the country. 55,000 women are raped every year. Furthermore, the country ranks 10th in the world based on total crime. There is a very high incidence of child and baby rape in the country as well as well as gang rapes.
These huge levels of crime have encouraged the development of the so-called gated communities. Middle and higher class South Africans hide in them away from the reality of that grips the streets of the cities in the country. These residential areas have strict control over entry of people on foot or in vehicles. They very often have high fences with bard wire and even walls. Many foreigners and the white population live in such closed communities. They have most necessary facilities in them and do not leave them for most daily activities.
Xenophobia is another big issue in South Africa. The country is famous for its anti-apartheid movement led by the legendary Nelson Mandela. In recent year the xenophobic movement has turned in the other direction. Crime against the white farming community has become commonplace. More than 3,000 Caucasian farmers have been killed based on racial prejudices and conflicts.
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