Homicide rate down in South Africa

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- The average number of homicides in South Africa has dropped from 70 a day to 50 since the end of apartheid in 1994, a study shows.

While the number of homicides fell 30 percent, the rate dropped even more, from 70 to 37 per 100,000 people, or 44 percent, because of the increase in population, the South African Institute of Race Relations found, the Mail & Guardian reported.

The institute's Kerwin Lebone said other types of crime have increased.

"There has been an increase over the years in property-related crimes while violent crimes against a person such as assault and murder and attempted murder seem to be the crimes that have come down," he said.

South Africans also perceive the country as being crime-ridden. In a 2007 poll, 39 percent of those surveyed said they were considering emigration, with fear of crime a major reason.

Other polls have shown a majority believe homicide rates are up.

Lebone said there are a number of reasons for the perception. He said year-to-year declines tend to be small, and the homicide rate remains high compared with many other countries.