20/11/2025
According to multiple international and national reports,
South Africa
consistently has a high crime index, especially related to violent and organized crime. A high index indicates significant levels of crime, and South Africa is often ranked among the most dangerous countries in global comparisons.
Crime index and safety rankings
Numbeo Crime Index (Mid-2025): South Africa was ranked with a crime index of 74.7, placing it 5th globally and highest in Africa, according to Numbeo's user-contributed database. A safety index of 25.41 was also reported, reflecting perceptions of high crime.
Organised Crime Index (2025): South Africa was identified as a continental hotspot for criminal networks, ranking seventh globally and second in Africa on the Global Organized Crime Index.
Global Safety Index (2025): Due to high crime levels, South Africa dropped to 129th out of 166 countries on the Global Safety Index.
Overall crime statistics (2024–2025)
Data from the South African Police Service (SAPS) and Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) show a mixed picture, with some crimes declining while others remain high:
Contact crimes: In the fourth quarter of 2024/2025 (January–March), murder cases decreased nationally by 12.4% year-on-year. However, attempted murder and assault with grievous bodily harm both rose by around 2%.
Sexual offences: This category saw an increase in Q4 of 2024/2025, a trend labeled "disturbing" by reports. R**e is the most common sexual crime reported.
Household crime: Housebreaking remains the most common crime affecting households, but property-related crimes as a whole decreased by 8.5% in Q4 of 2024/2025.
Kidnapping: Reports for early 2025 indicated a rise in kidnappings, with 4,571 cases reported between January and March.
Crime hotspots
Crime in South Africa is heavily concentrated in major metropolitan areas, particularly within a few provinces.
Provinces: The provinces with the highest rates of violent and property crime include Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape.