Crime in South Africa

Crime levels have been attributed to poverty, problems with delivery of public services, and wealth disparity.{{cite news |last1=Felix |first1=Jason |title=Crime mostly affects poor SA communities – researcher |url= https://ewn.co.za/2019/09/13/crime-mostly-affects-poor-sa-communities-researcher |access-date=15 September 2019 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher= ewn.co.za |date=14 September 2019}} The Institute for Security Studies also highlighted factors beyond poverty and inequality, particularly social stress from uncaring environments in early childhood{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Rebecca |title=Crime in South Africa: What's going wrong? |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2015-10-05-crime-in-south-africa-whats-going-wrong/ |access-date=18 September 2020 |work=Daily Maverick |date=5 October 2015}} and subsequent lack of guardianship. South Africa's high crime rates, recidivism and overburdened criminal justice system have been described as a crisis{{cite news |last1=Njilo |first1=Nonkululeko |title=Horrific week in KZN as 4 nurses killed, elderly woman raped, child found dead |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-07-horrific-week-in-kzn-as-4-nurses-killed-elderly-woman-raped-child-found-dead/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=7 June 2020}} which will require a radical rethink of crime and punishment in young people.{{cite journal |last1=Ross |first1=Eleanor |last2=Rasool |first2=Shahana |title='You go to campus with fear and come back with fear': university students' experiences of crime |journal=Crime Quarterly |date=June 2019 |issue=68 |pages=7–20 |doi=10.17159/2413-3108/2019/v0n68a4895 |issn=2413-3108 |url=https://journals.assaf.org.za/index.php/sacq/issue/view/506 |access-date=18 September 2020|doi-access=free}}{{cite news |last1=Baloyi |first1=Thabo |title='Terriying incident: Five men arrested for murder, gang raping three women |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/terriying-incident-five-men-arrested-for-murder-gang-raping-three-women/ |access-date=19 June 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=2022-06-19}}

In February 2007, the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation was contracted by the South African ANC government to carry out a study on the nature of crime in South Africa. The study pointed out different factors which contributed to high levels of violence.{{Cite web|url=http://www.csvr.org.za/docs/study/6.TAV_final_report_13_03_10.pdf|title=Tackling Armed Violence |date=February 2009 |publisher=Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation |access-date=1 October 2018}} Violent and non-violent crimes in South Africa have been ascribed to:

• The normalisation of violence. Violence is seen by many as a necessary and justified way of resolving conflict, and some men believe that coercive sexual behaviour towards women is legitimate.
• A subculture of violence and criminality, ranging from individual criminals who rape or rob, to informal groups or more formalised gangs. Those involved in the subculture are engaged in criminal careers and commonly use firearms, with the exception of Cape Town; where knife violence is more prevalent. Credibility within this subculture is related to the readiness to resort to extreme violence.
• The vulnerability of young people due to inadequate child-rearing, followed by poor guardianship and youth socialisation. Due to poverty and deprivation, unstable living arrangements and inconsistent parenting,{{cite news |title=What burglars don't want you to know |url=http://lowvelder.co.za/346784/what-burglars-dont-want-you-to-know/ |access-date=4 August 2016 |work=Local |agency=Lowvelder |date=26 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905051112/http://lowvelder.co.za/346784/what-burglars-dont-want-you-to-know/ |archive-date=5 September 2017}} some South African children are exposed to risk factors which increase their chances of becoming involved in criminality and violence.
• High levels of inequality, poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and marginalisation.
• The consumption and abuse of alcohol is a demonstrable cause or contributing factor in many violent crimes including murder, attempted murder, assault,{{cite news |last1=Isaacs |first1=Lauren |title=Alcohol is a major contributor to assault cases in SA says cele |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/05/15/alcohol-is-a-major-contributor-to-assault-cases-in-sa-says-cele |access-date=20 May 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=15 May 2021}} gender-based assault and rape cases. These incidents regularly occur in or directly outside bars, taverns, shebeens or nightclubs.{{cite news |last1=Strydom |first1=Nico |title=SA se misdaadvakansie verby sê Cele |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/sa-se-misdaadvakansie-verby-se-cele/ |access-date=14 November 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=13 November 2020}}{{cite news |title=Police vehicle torched at a tavern |url=https://www.enca.com/videos/police-vehicle-torched-tavern |access-date=13 May 2021 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=3 April 2021 |archive-date=9 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609071855/https://www.enca.com/videos/police-vehicle-torched-tavern |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last1=Dawood |first1=Zainul |title=Cele urges his new officers to deal decisively with 'animals' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/cele-urges-his-new-officers-to-deal-decisively-with-animals-a31e59f6-4654-4ca9-aea4-d6709665fbe4 |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=DailyNews |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=15 April 2021}} In addition many South Africans, including on-duty policemen,{{cite web |title='Drunk' cop in court |url=https://www.algoafm.co.za/domestic/drunk-cop-in-court |website=AlgoaFM |publisher= algoafm.co.za |access-date=3 December 2020 |date=30 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Carrie |title= Two 'Drunk' Cop Videos Surface In Less Than A Week |url=https://www.2oceansvibe.com/2020/02/04/two-drunk-cop-videos-surface-in-less-than-a-week/ |access-date=3 December 2020 |agency=2OceansVibe News |publisher=2oceansvibe.com |date=4 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Palm |first1=Kaylynn |title=Khayelitsha cop facing drunk driving charges after crashing police car |url= https://ewn.co.za/2020/12/24/khayelitsha-cop-facing-charges-of-drunk-driving-after-crashing-police-car |access-date=24 December 2020 |agency= Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=24 December 2020}} are arrested for drinking and driving,{{cite news |last1=Motoring staff |title=New drunk driving laws likely to criminalise innocent motorists |url= https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/new-drunk-driving-laws-likely-to-criminalise-innocent-motorists-1bacce92-db3e-452d-bfcf-5f3fd433502c |access-date=10 January 2021 |agency=IOL Motoring |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=17 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=African News Agency |title=Metro bekommerd oor dronkbestuur |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/metro-bekommerd-oor-dronkbestuur/ |access-date=2 December 2020 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=30 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Lindeque |first1= Mia |title=Gauteng police close 9 illegal liquor outlets |url= https://ewn.co.za/2020/12/14/gauteng-police-close-9-illegal-liquor-outlets |access-date=14 December 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher= ewn.co.za |date=14 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Comins |first1=Lyse |title=Latest: Drunk Drivers warned 'your days are numbered' – Mbalula |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/latest-drunk-drivers-warned-your-days-are-numbered-mbalula/ |access-date=19 May 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=8 April 2021}} a crime which is linked to 27% of fatal road accidents.{{cite news |last1=Motoring staff |title=Reducing the drink driving limit to zero makes zero sense, experts say |url= https://www.iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/reducing-the-drink-driving-limit-to-zero-makes-zero-sense-experts-say-636e9ca5-c6d7-4253-849f-ff564fa32290 |access-date=10 January 2021 |agency=IOL Motoring |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=26 August 2020}}
• In traditional African culture, cattle theft from rival tribes served an important social and cultural function within chiefdoms, and was considered a rite of passage for young warriors.{{cite journal |last1=King |first1=Rachel |title=Cattle, raiding and disorder in Southern African history |journal=Africa |date=August 2017 |volume=87 |issue=3 |pages=607–630 |doi= 10.1017/S0001972017000146 |s2cid=148973895 |doi-access=free }}{{cite journal |last1= Beidelman |first1= Thomas O. |title= Beer Drinking and Cattle Theft in Ukaguru: Intertribal Relations in a 'Tanganyika Chiefdom |journal= American Anthropologist |year= 1961 |volume= 63 |issue= 3 |pages= 534–549 |publisher= University of Oxford |doi= 10.1525/aa.1961.63.3.02a00060 |doi-access= }}
• Tax profitability of crimes such as smuggling, tender fraud and state capture, besides tax evasion and VAT fraud itself, due to the alleged inefficiency and lack of procedural measures at SARS, the priorities of which are geared towards cooperative and law-abiding citizens.{{cite news |last1=Merten |first1=Marianne |title= Groundswell of disgruntlement as ordinary taxpayers badgered by SA Revenue Service |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-03-02-groundswell-of-disgruntlement-as-ordinary-taxpayers-badgered-by-sa-revenue-service/ |access-date=23 May 2022 |work=Analysis |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=2 March 2022}}

The country relies on a criminal justice system that is mired in many issues, including inefficiency, corruption and internal polarisation.{{cite news |last1=Burger |first1=Johan |title=Cops or robbers? Corruption and infighting weakening SAPS at highest levels |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-03-15-cops-or-robbers-corruption-and-infighting-weakening-saps-at-highest-levels/ |access-date=15 March 2021 |work=ISS Today |date=15 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Cornelissen |first1=Christel |title='Krisis' in polisie druk beamptes tot breekpunt |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/krisis-in-polisie-druk-beamptes-tot-breekpunt/ |access-date=28 March 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=23 March 2021}}

In 2020 the Institute for Security Studies pointed out that the SAPS proceeded from crisis to crisis, had not implemented the proposals for effective policing outlined in the National Development Plan of 2012, and had inept and poorly skilled personnel in top posts.{{cite news |last1=Prince |first1=Llewellyn |title='Polisie kán misdaad nie beveg': Teleurstelling oor swak stand – Sithole het plan om oral te verbeter '2012 se aanbevelings steeds nie ingestel' | work=Beeld |page= 1 |date=25 November 2020}} Following 2019's gang violence and 2021's unrest it was pointed out that the military is increasingly deployed to assist with policing tasks for which it is poorly suited or equipped, while the manifestly dysfunctional policing infrastructure is not attended to.{{cite news |last1=defenceWeb |last2=Olivier |first2=Darren |title=Salaries still the biggest item in the defence budget |url= https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/salaries-still-the-biggest-item-in-the-defence-budget/ |access-date=31 March 2022 |agency= defenceWeb |publisher=defenceweb.co.za |date=24 February 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Njilo |first1=Nonkululeko |last2=O’Regan |first2=Victoria |title=Leaked document on troop deployment in SA was 'internal notice for planning' — SANDF general |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-08-09-leaked-document-on-troop-deployment-in-sa-was-internal-notice-for-planning-sandf-general/ |access-date=10 August 2022 |work=Civic Unrest |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=9 August 2022}} The SAPS announced a streamlining of its organizational and top structure in 2020,{{cite news |last1= Cornelissen |first1=Christel |title=Herstrukturering van polisie moet dienslewering verbeter |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/herstrukturering-van-polisie-moet-dienslewering-verbeter/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=6 December 2020}} following major restructuring in 2016.{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=Sitole vs Jacobs: what lies behind the top-level rupture at the SAPS? |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-12-07-sitole-vs-jacobs-what-lies-behind-the-top-level-rupture-at-the-saps/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |work=Daily Maverick |date=7 December 2020}} The SAPS got qualified audits for the years 2016/17 through 2019/20, as audit requirements for purchases, contracts, prevention of irregular expenses and quality of financial statements were not upheld. Irregular expenditure amounted to R33 million in 2017/18, a massive R996 million in 2018/19 and R452 million in 2019/20, excluding fruitless and wasteful expenditure{{cite news |last1= Mkhwanazi |first1=Siyabonga |title=Police investigating fruitless expenditure of R2.7 billion |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/police-investigating-fruitless-expenditure-of-r27-billion-cb3a2953-6ec1-4027-b066-a42b176335ce |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=17 December 2020}} and expenses incurred due to civil actions against it, which in 2019/20 amounted to R522 million.

Some police stations are distant from the communities they serve, while others become overburdened in precincts that experience rapid urbanization.{{cite news |last1=Kalipa |first1=Siyabonga |title=Eight years and still no police station for Makhaza |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/eight-years-and-still-no-police-station-for-makhaza-b6eae43e-b4b5-454b-b307-eb76240d72b1 |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=21 May 2021}} Some stations are closed at night due to staffing issues and lack of available officers. In many instances police officers work long hours out of under-resourced stations which may lack basic office equipment like a photocopier or a fax machine, while the only landline telephone may be busy.{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=The good people of SAPS operate in the shadow of corrupt seniors |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2019-02-25-the-good-people-of-saps-operate-in-the-shadow-of-corrupt-seniors/ |access-date=27 February 2019 |work=Daily Maverick |date=26 February 2019}} Office electricity may be cut for non-payment,{{cite news |last1=Pijoos |first1=Iavan |title=Named and shamed: Tshwane cuts power to SARS, SAPS and Gautrain station over 'non-payment' of bills |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/named-and-shamed-tshwane-cuts-power-to-sars-saps-and-gautrain-station-over-non-payment-of-bills-20220215 |access-date=17 February 2022 |agency= News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=15 February 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Gericke |first1=Marietjie |last2= Louw |first2= Mlungisi |title=Polisielede bang in donker Parkweg-polisiekantoor in Bloem |url= https://www.netwerk24.com/netwerk24/nuus/aktueel/polisielede-bang-in-donker-parkweg-polisiekantoor-in-bloem-20220214 |access-date=17 February 2022 |agency=Netwerk24 |publisher=netwerk24.com |date=14 February 2022}} or office buildings may be closed due to rent defaults.{{cite news |last1=Hancke |first1=Hendrik |title=Die staat skuld my miljoene aan huur: Polisie, vloot sit op straat na eienaar staatsgeboue in Pretoria sluit |agency=Rapport |publisher=Netwerk24 |date=13 March 2022}} SAPS officers are often deployed in life-threatening situations,{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Dan |title=Safety of police officers in doubt after another KZN cop murdered |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/kzn-saps-pietermaritzburg-police-officer-killed-thursday-11-march-2021/ |access-date=11 March 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher= thesouthafrican.com |date=11 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Persens |first1=Lizell |title='We are under attack' – Cele on Police killings |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/03/01/we-are-under-attack-cele-on-police-killings |access-date=16 March 2021 |agency= Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=1 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Kubheka |first1=Anelisa |title= SAPS Minister calls on officers to be vigilant after eMkhomazi detective gunned down in drive-by shooting |url= https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/saps-minister-calls-on-officers-to-be-vigilant-after-emkhomazi-detective-gunned-down-in-drive-by-shooting-7f6b157f-ccdf-4d34-9781-9d4c299fb0ad |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=DailyNews |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date= 5 May 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Comins |first1=Lyse |title=Police launch manhunt for cop killers after several attacks |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-police-man-hunt-cop-killers-gauteng-kzn/ |access-date=5 October 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=5 October 2021}} and the Ngcobo killings of 2018 highlighted security at police stations.{{cite news |last1=Ndlendle |first1=Songezo |title=Strategies in place to ensure safety at police stations, says SA's top cop |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/strategies-in-place-to-ensure-safety-at-police-stations-says-sas-top-cop-15123557 |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=African News Agency (ANA) |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=23 May 2018}} After additional attacks on police stations in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, Limpopo, Mpumalanga and North West, SAPU suggested that these crimes be considered acts of treason.{{cite news |last1=McCain |first1=Nicole |title='Declare police station attacks treason' - union demands after arms theft at Limpopo police station |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/declare-police-station-attacks-treason-union-demands-after-arms-theft-at-limpopo-police-station-20211123 |access-date=19 March 2022 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=23 November 2021}}

File:Out of order Gauteng police vehicles, November 2020.png – the top 5 in terms of reported contact crimes in their precincts. By April 2021 almost 27% of Gauteng's fleet was awaiting repairs{{cite news |last1=Moatshe |first1=Rapula |title=Bheki Cele says 2 170 SAPS vehicles out of service in Gauteng |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/bheki-cele-says-2-170-saps-vehicles-out-of-service-in-gauteng-46e106aa-fd08-4ab8-96e8-b0d396429958 |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=Pretoria News |location=South Africa |date=13 April 2021}} which only commenced after 3 months due to the backlog. By February 2022 there were 1,169 out-of-service police vehicles in Gauteng, not counting those stolen from stations,{{cite news |last1=Maromo |first1=Jonisayi |title=Vehicles stolen in Pretoria recovered in Limpopo as anti-crime blitz nets 1 200 suspects |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/vehicles-stolen-in-pretoria-recovered-in-limpopo-as-anti-crime-blitz-nets-1-200-suspects-8900bbab-66e8-4312-bf7a-f36012516802 |access-date=9 November 2022 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=3 August 2022}} which affected visible policing, detective services and support.{{cite news |last1=Weekend News Producer |title=SAPS vehicles out of action: Chaos with over 1000 vans offline in Gauteng – Catch a lift to the crime scene? The Police Minister has confirmed that over 1000 SAPS vehicles are simply not working in Gauteng. |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/saps-vehicles-gauteng-police-vans/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=6 February 2022}}]]

Of 5,781 police vehicles in Gauteng, 1,407 or almost a quarter were out of order in 2020, which negatively affected reaction times and visible policing.{{cite news |last1=Janse van Rensburg |first1=Arisa |title=Polisie het nie genoeg wiele – Cele: Gauteng het 1 407 stukkende voertuie 'Dis inperking se skuld' |work=Beeld |page=1 |date=19 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Manyane |first1=Manyane |title=Bekkersdal cops say they can't respond to crime calls on time due to shortage of cars |url= https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/bekkersdal-cops-say-they-cant-respond-to-crime-calls-on-time-due-to-shortage-of-cars--8cad8d41-409c-4e37-81f9-031f1a1262a0 |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=22 November 2020}} Three to four detectives rely on a single vehicle, meaning that detectives have to share with a colleague to visit a crime scene. Poor quality infrastructure prevented the conversion of paper dockets to an e-docket system, while its PCEM, FPS and VA-AMIS systems,{{cite news |last1=Pillay |first1=Kailene |title=Pay me my R70m, SAPS |url=https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/pay-me-my-r70m-saps-14296426 |access-date= 12 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=7 April 2018}} acquired from FDA to keep tabs on case evidence and firearms, functioned only intermittently from 2018 to 2021.{{cite news |last1=Maqhina |first1=Mayibongwe |title=Bheki Cele blames consumables for DNA results backlogs |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/bheki-cele-blames-consumables-for-dna-results-backlogs-e7b1d892-8ded-4572-a3d6-f0c203be5871 |access-date=12 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=10 April 2021}} From 2018 to 2020, funds were insufficient to supply service members with new uniforms, though some were found in the possession of blue light hijackers and other armed robbers.{{cite news |last1=van Heerden |first1=Suné |title=Man skiet kapers voor hy self sterf |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/man-skiet-kapers-voor-hy-self-sterf/ |access-date=12 June 2021 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=12 June 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Luhanga |first1=Everson |title= Hawks swoop on armed robbers disguised as cops |url=https://scrolla.africa/hawks-swoop-on-armed-robbers-disguised-as-cops/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |agency=Scrolla |publisher=scrolla.africa |date=12 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1= Simpson |first1= Storm |title=Father, 71, and son, 11, murdered by suspects in police uniforms |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/father-71-and-son-11-murdered-by-suspects-in-police-uniforms-ben-ken-plaatjies-madikeni-township/ |access-date= 30 March 2022 |agency= The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=28 March 2022}}{{cite web |last1=Abramjee |first1=Yusuf | date = 10 August 2022 |title = BOLO: Fake Metro Police cops operating on the N3 and N12 |url=https://twitter.com/Abramjee/status/1557368376435113986 |website=Twitter |publisher=twitter.com |access-date=11 August 2022}} Bulletproof vests were likewise in short supply. By 2020 some toxicological reports of the SAPS were lagging by as much as a decade, while the number of unprocessed DNA samples at the National Forensic Science Laboratories (NFSL) reached a backlog of 117,000 due to mismanagement of the supply chain process.{{cite news |last1=Zuzile |first1=Mpumzi |title=Police face huge backlog in DNA sample tests |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-06-police-face-huge-backlog-in-dna-sample-tests/ |access-date=6 December 2020 |agency= Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=6 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Cornelissen |first1= Christel |title=Polisie se agterstand met DNS-toetse al groter |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/polisie-se-agterstand-met-dns-toetse-al-groter/? |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=6 December 2020}}

Ordnance is regularly stolen from the security forces{{cite news |last1=Bateman |first1=Barry |title=Pta thieves flee with 70 grenades |url=https://ewn.co.za/2012/07/04/pta-robbers-flee-with-70-grenades |access-date=30 March 2022 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=4 July 2012}} or security firms,{{cite news |last1=Maroela-redaksie |title=Talle wapens by veiligheidsmaatskappy gesteel |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/talle-wapens-by-veiligheidsmaatskappy-gesteel/ |access-date=1 January 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=28 December 2020}} and it is feared that these may be used in other crimes.{{cite news |last1=Rall |first1=Se-Anne |title=SANDF under scrutiny over theft of weapons, ammo |url= https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/sandf-under-scrutiny-over-theft-of-weapons-ammo-20653246 |access-date=6 April 2019 |work=The Mercury |location=South Africa |date=5 April 2019}} The July 2019 UNODC report highlighted a surge in the availability of illegal firearms, including hundreds which are diverted from SAPS custody by corrupt officials, particularly to gangs.{{cite news |last1= Gibson |first1=Douglas |title=SA's murder rate is worse than the coronavirus mortality rate |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/opinion/sas-murder-rate-is-worse-than-the-coronavirus-mortality-rate-43987823 |access-date=28 September 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=3 March 2020}} From 2010 to 2015 two SAPS colonels sold 5,000 police firearms worth R9 million to gangs in the Western Cape,{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=Orange is the new blue: Finally, a reckoning for corrupt cops |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-12-12-orange-is-the-new-blue-finally-a-reckoning-for-corrupt-cops/ |access-date=14 December 2020 |work=Daily Maverick |date=12 December 2020}} and in 2022 two members of the JMPD were arrested for allegedly supplying criminals with R5 ammunition.{{cite news |last1=Pijoos |first1=Iavan |title=2 JMPD officials arrested for allegedly selling R5 ammunition |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/2-jmpd-officials-arrested-for-allegedly-selling-r5-ammunition-20220410 |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=10 April 2022}} Firearms stolen from, or lost by, the SANDF during the period 2017–2020 include 57 R4 or R5 rifles, 10 Z88 pistols, five Beretta pistols, four Star pistols, a pair of SIG Sauer pistols, and one Glock and Vector handgun each. Ammunition stolen from, or lost by, the SANDF during the same period are 7,618 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 340 rounds of 5.45mm and 7.62mm ammunition for light machine guns (LMGs) and assault rifles, besides some 9mm and 12.7mm ammunition, a stun grenade and smoke grenade.{{cite web |last1=defenceWeb |title=Dozens of military weapons lost or stolen over last three years |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/dozens-of-military-weapons-lost-or-stolen-over-last-three-years/ |website=defenceweb.co.za |access-date=22 November 2020 |date =4 November 2020}} As of 2021 the fire arms register was dysfunctional and the SAPS did not know to which officers arms were issued. Fire arms licensing, licensing renewals and amnesty applications are subject to red tape, inefficiency and backlogs until envisaged online procedures replace the CFR.{{cite news |last1=Gerber |first1=Jan |title=MPs demand modernised Central Firearm Registry |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/mps-demand-modernised-central-firearm-registry-20210517 |access-date=28 May 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=17 May 2021}}

When suspects are apprehended, the police lack experience to prepare a thorough prima facie case,{{cite news |last1=Heyns |first1=Tania |title=Plaasmoordenaars skotvry weens 'swak' polisiewerk |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/plaasmoordenaars-skotvry-weens-swak-polisiewerk/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=4 September 2021}} leaving the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) powerless to institute legal proceedings.{{cite news |title=Privatisering van treine nie 'n opsie nie, meen Untu |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/privatisering-van-treine-nie-n-opsie-nie-meen-untu/ |access-date=29 October 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=19 October 2020}} This results in very low conviction rates of serious crimes. Only 2% of vehicle hijackings, 2% of robberies of either residential or commercial premises, 9% of sexual offences (5% of adult rape and 9% of child rape cases{{cite news |last1=SA Law Commission Research Paper 18, SAPS |title=2020 Violent Crime Against SA Women |url=https://suemtravels.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/violent-crime-against-sa-women-mail-and-guardian.jpg |access-date=6 November 2020 |year=2020 |agency=Mail&Guardian |publisher=suemtravels.files.wordpress.com}}) result in convictions. As of 2020 less than 20% of murder investigations would result in a trial date being set,{{cite news |last1=Mynhardt |first1=Monica |title= Nuuskommentaar: Veiligheid lê in voorkoming eerder as vervolging |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/nuuskommentaar/nuuskommentaar-veiligheid-le-in-voorkoming-eerder-as-vervolging/ |access-date=29 October 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=28 October 2020}} down from 31% in 2010/11. Cooperation between the SAPS and private prosecution initiatives have been effective in stalled cases.{{cite web |last1=Afriforum |title=Senzo Meyiwa-moordsaak uitgestel tot 27 November |url=https://afriforum.co.za/senzo-meyiwa-moordsaak-uitgestel-tot-27-november/ |website=afriforum.co.za |publisher= Afriforum |access-date=2 November 2020 |date=27 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Smillie |first1=Shaun |title= Warriors for justice – AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit takes up the fight for victims' families |url= https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/warriors-for-justice-afriforums-private-prosecution-unit-takes-up-the-fight-for-victims-families-9f8bad35-94a0-4cc1-8f1a-7ba6f0d6c734 |access-date=9 May 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=10 April 2021}}

While South Africa had one police officer to 250 members of the public in 2010, this ratio declined to one to 450 in 2022.{{cite news |last1=Molyneaux |first1=Anthony |title=WATCH: 'SA has 20,000 fewer police officers than in 2010' – Cele |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-08-01-watch-sa-has-20000-fewer-police-officers-than-in-2010-cele/ |access-date=3 August 2022 |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=1 August 2022}} The force dedicated to rail network policing was reduced by some 6,000 between 1986 and 2010, which exposed the network to train arson attacks and widespread looting of infrastructure. Mass recruitment of poorly skilled applicants occurs, and some of these are trained at substandard facilities.{{cite news |last1=Nanni |first1=Mariska |title=Polisierekrute koud, honger in Noord-Kaap |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/polisierekrute-koud-honger-in-noord-kaap/ |access-date=28 April 2022 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher= maroelamedia.co.za |date=13 April 2022}} In what is seen as a culture of non-liability, very few police personnel are being expelled from the service.{{cite news |last1=Mitchley |first1=Alex |title=Jailed JMPD officer is still employed by the City, gets his salary |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/exclusive-jailed-jmpd-officer-is-still-employed-by-the-city-gets-his-salary-20220414-2? |access-date=28 April 2022 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=14 April 2022}} Instead disciplinary hearings have declined greatly in frequency, skilled recruits are not sensibly deployed, and from 2018 to 2019, 22% of officers received promotions without regard to their performance.{{cite news |last1=Legodi |first1=Tlou |last2=Newham |first2=Gareth (head of governance at Institute for Security Studies) |last3=Dlamini |first3=Themba |title=SAPS promoted 42,000 officers regardless of their performance – Expert |url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/410141/saps-promoted-42-000-officers-regardless-of-their-performance-expert |access-date=5 March 2021 |agency=702 |publisher=702.co.za|date=2 March 2021}}

The SAPS's very understaffed Crime Intelligence Division was at times effective, but also subject to enduring power struggles during which effective members were sidelined.{{cite news |last1=Dolley |first1= Caryn |title=As Criminal Intelligence implodes, sparring cops skewer South Africa |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-02-28-as-criminal-intelligence-implodes-sparring-cops-skewer-south-africa/ |access-date=1 March 2021 |agency=Daily Maverick 168 |work= Daily Maverick |date=28 February 2021}} Effective control of explosives used in various crimes is only achieved by joint investigation task teams that engage in collaborative operations. The SAPS's capacity and resource constraints however, besides a lack of intelligence sharing with border control officials and poor internal, inter-departmental collaboration, hamper their execution of operations in this specialized area.{{cite news |last1=Chelin |first1=Richard (researcher, ENACT, ISS Pretoria) |last2=Els |first2=Willem (senior training coordinator, ENACT, ISS Pretoria) |title=South Africa's deadly mix of explosives, extortion and organised crime a ticking timebomb |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-02-18-south-africas-deadly-mix-of-explosives-extortion-and-organised-crime-a-ticking-timebomb/ |access-date=20 February 2021 |work=Daily Maverick |date=18 February 2021}} Budget cuts in training and explosive consumables for detectives and prosecutors fundamentally constrain the SAPS's operating ability, and as of 2018–2021, SAPS staff was not receiving any refresher courses. Some economic crimes go undetected, while the imposed penalties amount to little deterrence. Meaningful enforcement would require specialist detectives in dedicated investigative departments. From 2020 to 2023, 10111 emergency response centres of all provinces were severely understaffed, resulting in millions of calls being dropped annually.{{cite news |last1=Makhanya |first1=Steven |title=South Africans left hanging on the line over 10111 call centre crisis |url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/south-africans-left-hanging-on-the-line-over-10111-call-centre-crisis-25e984e3-dd0c-40f7-acd1-636cbaebd338 |access-date=6 January 2023 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=5 January 2023}}

A 2019 survey by Global Corruption Barometer Africa suggested that the SAPS is seen as the most corrupt institution in the country.{{cite news |last1=Manyathela |first1=Clement |last2=Lekabe |first2=Thapelo |title=SAPS considered most corrupt institution in SA – survey |url=https://ewn.co.za/2019/07/11/saps-considered-most-corrupt-institution-in-sa-survey |access-date=12 July 2019 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=11 July 2019}} In 2020, Andrew Whitfield of the DA described the SAPS as "rotten to the core", and proposed the establishment of a parliamentary ad hoc committee to investigate SAPS corruption.{{cite news |last1=Matlala |first1=George |title=Several SAPS officials face arrest after banks flag R1bn payments |page=2 |agency=Sunday World |date=8 November 2020}} Many SAPS officers accept bribes from the criminal underworld, especially when their superiors and seniors are visibly on the take. Officers of various ranks have been implicated in forms of corruption which involves fraud, blackmail,{{cite news |last1=Mlamla |first1=Sisonke |title=Police Minister Bheki Cele reveals cops among those arrested for extortion |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/police-minister-bheki-cele-reveals-cops-among-those-arrested-for-extortion-ca89aa13-f3f4-4096-a8c2-e02c7d26367f |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=9 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Tlou |first1=Gift |title=Hawks arrest senior police officer for extortion and corruption |url=https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/hawks-arrest-senior-police-officer-for-extortion-and-corruption-a0cd4f34-9477-416f-80eb-c1904cb627df |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=The Star |location=South Africa |date=8 April 2021}} assisting the escape of prisoners, or the irregular awarding of contracts. As of 2020, 286 corruption cases involving 564 police officers were pending.{{cite news |last1=African News Agency |title=Honderde polisiebeamptes vir korrupsie ondersoek |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/honderde-polisiebeamptes-vir-korrupsie-ondersoek/ |access-date=20 November 2020 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=3 November 2020}}{{cite news |title=More than 100 people have now been arrested in SA's recent corruption blitz – here's the list |url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/these-are-all-the-high-profile-arrests-made-in-the-last-week-2020-10 |access-date=20 November 2020 |agency=Business Insider SA |publisher= businessinsider.co.za |date= 11 November 2020}}

The Criminal Justice Budget was subject to plunder by corrupt police officials at least during the period from 1997 to 2017.{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=Scopa hears how SAPS illegally siphoned off R100m from Criminal Justice System budget |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-11-02-scopa-hears-how-saps-illegally-siphoned-off-r100m-from-criminal-justice-system-budget/ |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=SAPS/SITA capture |date=2 November 2018}} The massive inside job involved over 20 persons in the SAPS's top brass,{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=Explosive report exposes massive corruption and implicates over 20 senior cops |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-10-31-explosive-report-exposes-massive-corruption-and-implicates-over-20-senior-cops/ |access-date=28 February 2019 |work=SAPS/SITA capture |date=31 October 2018}} and probes into these activities necessitated the discontinuation of some essential policing services.{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=Analysis: Sita/SAPS Capture – Scopa hearing marks a turning point as massive fraud uncovered |work=SAPS/SITA capture |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2017-11-30-analysis-sitasaps-capture-scopa-hearing-marks-a-turning-point-as-massive-fraud-uncovered/ |access-date=28 February 2019 |date=30 November 2017}} Contraventions of the Disaster Management Act, and over R1 billion of allegedly irregular transfers of COVID-19 relief funds have been tied to SAPS officials, while others were dismissed (but not convicted) for alleged corrupt branding and outsourcing practices involving the police vehicle fleet.{{cite news |last1=Tlhabye |first1=Goitsemang |title=SAPS dismisses 7 members for corruption in connection with R56m car markings tender |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/saps-dismisses-7-members-for-corruption-in-connection-with-r56m-car-markings-tender-4138db3a-ef81-4258-9a7c-0668435bc433 |access-date=26 March 2021 |work=Pretoria News |location=South Africa |date=2 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Pheto |first1=Belinda |title=Pretoria attorney to appear in court over SAPS tender fraud |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-03-23-pretoria-attorney-to-appear-in-court-over-saps-tender-fraud/ |access-date=26 March 2021 |work=South Africa |agency=Times Live |date=23 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Masikane |first1=Slindelo |title=Police vehicle marking fraud case struck off the roll |url=https://www.enca.com/news/r56m-police-vehicle-marking-fraud-case-struck-roll |access-date=26 March 2021 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=25 March 2021}}

Implementation of drone technology in urban centers and informal settlements is seen as an effective and cost-saving crime-fighting tool. The City of Cape Town was first to invest in it, but licensing applications submitted to SACAA may take up to two years to be processed.{{cite web |last1= Caboz |first1=Jay |title=Cape Town wants to use drones to combat crime – here's how it would work |url= https://www.businessinsider.co.za/city-of-cape-town-wants-to-use-drones-to-combat-crime-2019-8 |website=Business Insider SA |publisher=businessinsider.co.za |access-date=17 January 2021 |date=6 August 2019}} From 2016 to 2019 Cape Town invested millions in ShotSpotter, a technology which allowed authorities to pinpoint the source of gunfire. Its implementation did not result in a reduction in murders, and its use was discontinued.{{cite news |last1=Wagiet |first1=Rafiq |title=Shotspotter is the City of Cape Town's costly and deadly mistake: Bought at a cost of R32million, the ShotSpotter technology is designed to identify where gunfire is coming from, and alert authorities to that area, but the body count tells a different story. |url=https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/411863/shotspotter-is-city-of-cape-town-s-deadly-mistake |access-date=19 May 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=22 March 2021}}

File:Chanélle Henning, roadside memorial in Pretoria, a.jpg to a drive-by shooting victim in Pretoria]]

South Africa has exceptionally high rates of murder, gender-based violence, robbery and violent conflict.{{cite news |last1=Bruce |first1=David |title=Massacres and atrocities in SA on increase while smaller-scale instances of violence often ignored |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-08-10-massacres-and-atrocities-in-south-africa-on-increase-while-smaller-scale-instances-of-violence-often-ignored/ |access-date=11 August 2022 |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=10 August 2022}} A survey for the period 1990–2000 compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranked South Africa second for assault and murder (by all means) per capita and first for rapes per capita in a data set of 60 countries.[http://www.nationmaster.com/red/country/sf/Crime&b_cite=1 NationMaster: South African crime statistics] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20071011084832/http://nationmaster.com/red/country/sf/Crime%26b_cite%3D1 |date=11 October 2007 }}. Retrieved 28 September 2006. Total crime per capita was 10th out of the 60 countries in the dataset.{{Cite journal |last1=Kruger |first1=Tinus |last2=Landman |first2=Karina |date=2008 |title=Crime and the Physical Environment in South Africa: Contextualizing International Crime Prevention Experiences |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/23289742 |journal=Built Environment |volume=34 |issue=1 |pages=75–87 |doi=10.2148/benv.34.1.75 |jstor=23289742 |issn=0263-7960}} The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute have conducted research[http://www.unicri.it/wwd/analysis/icvs/pdf_files/No57/c04_57.PDF Victimisation in the developing world] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070607001142/http://www.unicri.it/wwd/analysis/icvs/pdf_files/No57/c04_57.PDF |date=7 June 2007 }} Justice Research Institute on the victims of crime which shows the picture of South African crime as more typical of a developing country.

According to SAPS and SSA statistics, the rate of increase in violent crimes committed in South Africa (2016-2020) was slowing down,{{cite web |url= http://www.saps.gov.za/services/final-crime-stats-release-02september2016.pdf |title=Archived copy: Final crime stats – slight decline of 1.4% in violent crime |access-date=2 September 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160915150148/http://www.saps.gov.za/services/final-crime-stats-release-02september2016.pdf |archive-date=15 September 2016 }} but up to 2019/20, the incidence of this crime category was usually growing year on year.{{cite web |last1=Cele |first1=Bheki (Police Minister) |title=Minister Bheki Cele: Annual Crime Statistics 2019/2020 |url= https://www.gov.za/speeches/minister-bheki-cele-annual-crime-statistics-20192020-31-jul-2020-0000# |website=South African Government (www.gov.za) |access-date=11 March 2021 |date=31 July 2020}} In April 2022, Numbeo found that 5 of the top 20 most dangerous cities in the world were in South Africa.{{Cite web |url=https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp |title=Crime Index by City 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |archive-date=14 April 2022 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20220414062651/https://www.numbeo.com/crime/rankings.jsp |url-status=live }} In 2023 the IEP's Global Peace Index ranked South Africa 130th out of 163 nations (32nd out of 44 in sub-Saharan Africa) in terms of peacefulness, and the cost of violence was estimated at R3.30 trillion ($176.49 billion) in 2022, or 15% of the country’s GDP.{{cite news |last1=Neethling |first1=Bianke |title=Violence cost South Africa R3.3 trillion |url= https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/21688/violence-cost-south-africa-r3-3-trillion/ |access-date=12 July 2023 |work=South Africa |agency= Daily Investor |publisher=dailyinvestor.com |date=29 June 2023}}

File:Murder rate in South Africa.png

During the last 3 months of 2023, around 85 people were murdered in South Africa every day.{{cite web | url=https://www.da.org.za/2024/02/crimestats-ramaphosa-and-cele-are-the-enemies-of-safety-as-violent-crime-rises-again | title=#Crimestats: Ramaphosa and Cele are the enemies of safety as violent crime rises again }}{{cite web | url=

https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/665791/violent-crime-in-south-africa-is-getting-worse-here-are-all-the-latest-stats/ | title= Violent Crime In South Africa Is Getting Worse}}{{Cite web |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/271997/heres-how-south-africas-crime-rate-compares-to-actual-warzones/ |title=Here's how South Africa's crime rate compares to actual warzones |website=businesstech.co.za |language=en-US |access-date=19 July 2019}} The murder rate increased rapidly in the late-1980s and early-1990s.{{cite web |url= http://www.saveyourheritage.com/images/How_ANC_Brought_Crime_to_South_Africa_5.gif |title= Archived copy |access-date=2 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130616044642/http://www.saveyourheritage.com/images/How_ANC_Brought_Crime_to_South_Africa_5.gif |archive-date= 16 June 2013 }} In 2001, a South African was more likely to be murdered than die in a car crash,{{cite web |url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2001/dec/06/chrismcgreal|title=The violent end of Marike de Klerk |first=Chris |last=McGreal|date=6 December 2001|website=The Guardian}} but the murder rate halved between 1994 and 2009 from 67 to 34 murders per 100,000 people.{{cite web |url=https://africacheck.org/reports/is-sa-worse-off-now-than-19-years-ago-the-facts-behind-that-facebook-post/|title=Is SA worse off now than 19 years ago? The facts behind THAT Facebook post|work=Africa Check |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151003055101/https://africacheck.org/reports/is-sa-worse-off-now-than-19-years-ago-the-facts-behind-that-facebook-post/|archive-date=3 October 2015}} Between 2011 and 2015, it stabilised to around 32 homicides per 100,000 people although the total number of lives lost had increased due to the increase in population.{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/29/south-africa-a-country-at-war-as-rate-soars-to-nearly-49-a-day|title= South Africa 'a country at war' as murder rate soars to nearly 49 a day |work=The Guardian |date= 29 September 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20161204122726/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/29/south-africa-a-country-at-war-as-rate-soars-to-nearly-49-a-day |archive-date=4 December 2016 }} In the 2016/17 year, the rate of murders increased to 52 a day, with 19,016 murders recorded between April 2016 to March 2017.{{cite web |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/africa-murder-rate-rises-52-day-165416092.html |title=S. Africa murder rate rises to 52 a day |agency=Agence France-Presse }} In 2022, the murder rate was 45,53 per 100,000 people, the fourth highest in the world, according to UNODC reports.{{cite web | url=https://dataunodc.un.org/dp-intentional-homicide-victims | title=Dp-intentional-homicide-victims | dataUNODC }}

The Eastern Cape, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces have the highest murder rates in the country.{{Cite web |title=Which province in South Africa has the highest murder rate? |url=https://africacheck.org/infofinder/explore-facts/which-province-south-africa-has-highest-murder-rate |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Africa Check |language=en}} South Africa has four cities (Nelson Mandela Bay, Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg) included in the top 50 most dangerous cities (defined as cities with a population over 300,000 with the highest murder rates, as reported by The Citizen Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice, a Mexican advocacy group, in its 2023/2024 ranking).{{cite web | url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/760213/the-most-violent-cities-in-south-africa-with-a-new-number-1-ranking-among-the-worst-of-the-worst-in-the-world/ | title=The most violent cities in South Africa – with a new number 1 ranking among the worst of the worst in the world }}

Against the background of volatile gang activity, fatalities of innocent bystanders caught in their crossfire have also risen sharply.{{cite news |last1=Heyns |first1=Tania |title=Bendelid swaar gestraf vir omstander se moord |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/bendelid-swaar-gestraf-vir-omstander-se-moord/? |access-date=8 November 2021 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=23 April 2021}} Mob justice is regularly meted out in informal settlements where the police are mistrusted and frustration with high crime levels runs high.{{cite news |last1=Petersen |first1=Tammy |title= Residents threaten mob justice after burnt body of Mbekweni woman found next to train tracks |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/residents-threaten-mob-justice-after-burnt-body-of-mbekweni-woman-found-next-to-train-tracks-20210906 |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=6 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mkentane |first1=Odwa |title=No arrests made yet after [Mfuleni and Samora Machel] mob justice killings |url= https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/no-arrests-made-yet-after-mob-justice-killings-8db379d1-df03-4a69-be2b-da4a8b7dcbfc |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Cape Times |publisher=iol.co.za |date=13 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1= Shamiela |title=EC Police yet to make arrests after apparent [Mount Frere] mob justice incident claims 7 lives |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/16/ec-police-yet-to-make-arrests-after-apparent-mob-justice-incident-claims-7-lives |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=16 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Isaacs |first1=Lauren |title=Update: Search on for 4 Driftsands youths killed in mob attack, thrown in river |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/09/06/driftsands-saps-probe-claims-that-4-youths-killed-in-mob-attack-thrown-in-river |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=6 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Isaacs |first1=Lauren |title=Another body found in river in search for alleged Mfuleni mob justice victims |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/09/13/another-body-found-in-river-in-mfuleni-during-search-for-4-alleged-mob-justice-victims |access-date=13 September 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=13 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Gwegwe |first1=Siseko |title=Mob justice? Bodies of four young men discovered in Samora Machel |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/breaking-four-bodies-of-men-found-in-samora-machel-cape-town-news-mob-justice/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=8 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mokhoali |first1=Veronica |title=8 more people arrested in connection with Zandspruit mob attack |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/08/18/8-more-people-arrested-in-connection-with-zandspruit-mob-attack |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=18 August 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Van der Merwe |first1=Anja |title=Vyf sterf toe [Delft] gemeenskap reg in eie hande neem |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/vyf-sterf-toe-gemeenskap-reg-in-eie-hande-neem/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=4 January 2023}} Country-wide some 1,350 murders were ascribed to vigilantism and mob justice during the 2020/21 financial year.{{cite news |last1=Ludidi |first1=Velani |title=MEC: Mob killing trend deeply worrying |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/mec-mob-killing-trend-deeply-worrying-52939e6b-4256-4706-b736-481bf198b048 |access-date=20 June 2022 |agency=Weekend Argus |publisher=iol.co.za |date=2022-06-20}} Fatal drive-by shootings with either known or unclear motives occur regularly.{{cite news |last1=Marriah-Maharaj |first1=Jolene |title=Man killed in drive-by shooting near Teddy Mafia's house |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/man-killed-in-drive-by-shooting-near-teddy-mafias-house-5ed285c7-97e8-41ca-b3d2-72cf56e2605e |access-date=12 March 2021 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=8 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Patrick |first1=Alex |title=Ferrari sprayed with bullets leaving two dead in Soweto |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-09-28-ferrari-sprayed-with-bullets-leaving-two-dead-in-soweto/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=28 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Masweneng |first1=Kgaugelo |title=One dead as bullet-riddled vehicle rolls near Durban's King Shaka airport |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-09-22-one-dead-as-bullet-riddled-vehicle-rolls-near-durbans-king-shaka-airport/ |access-date= 29 September 2021 |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=22 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Tshikalange |first1=Shonisani |title=Man shot, dragged from Mercedes-Benz in Erasmia was 'extorting money' |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-09-06-man-shot-dragged-from-mercedes-benz-in-erasmia-was-extorting-money/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=6 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Sibiya |first1=Noxolo |title=Man killed in hail of bullets in Silverton |url=https://rekord.co.za/390743/man-killed-in-hail-of-bullets-in-silverton/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Rekord |publisher=rekord.co.za |date=14 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Paulse |first1=Jayed-Leigh |title=Four men shot dead in a drive-by shooting in [Adams Mission] Durban |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hQm4h3r_oQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/-hQm4h3r_oQ |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=4 November 2021 |agency=SABC News | publisher = YouTube |date=25 August 2020}}{{cbignore}} In September 2019, the Nigerian president boycotted the Africa Economy Summit in Cape Town because of the riots against foreigners that left many dead.{{Cite news|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-wef-africa-protests-idUSKCN1VP1EQ|title=Nigeria boycotts Africa economic summit over anti-foreign riots|date=4 September 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=5 September 2019|language=en}} Paramedics and police often have to enter unsafe environments in order to assist shooting victims,{{cite news |last1=Goba |first1=Thabiso |title=One paramedic dead and another injured after coming under fire in KZN |url=https://www.news24.com/witness/news/kzn/one-paramedic-dead-and-another-injured-after-coming-under-fire-in-kzn-20211004 |access-date=4 October 2021 |agency=The Witness |publisher=news24.com |date=4 October 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Geach |first1=Chelsea |title=Paramedics risk their lives to save the innocent and the guilty |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/paramedics-risk-their-lives-to-save-the-innocent-and-the-guilty-34745961 |access-date=4 October 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |publisher=iol.co.za |date=12 October 2019}} and some paramedics have started wearing bulletproof vests.{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Nathan |title=Attacks on paramedics have more than tripled |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/attacks-on-paramedics-have-more-than-tripled-2f274464-9949-4599-b80b-5aa3a546aabb |access-date=4 October 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |publisher=iol.co.za |date=13 December 2020}} Cape Town's paramedics experienced few if any attacks during the 1990s, but 288 attacks in 2016,{{cite news |last1=Geach |first1=Chelsea |title=9/10 chance Cape paramedics will face being attacked on the job in red zones |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/910-chance-cape-paramedics-will-face-being-attacked-on-the-job-in-red-zones-34747048 |access-date=4 October 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |publisher=iol.co.za |date=12 October 2019}} 22 attacks in 2019, some 68 attacks in 2020 and over 60 attacks in 2021.{{cite news |last1=Hlati |first1=Okuhle |title=Macassar flagged 'red zone' status after EMS crew escapes attack |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/macassar-flagged-red-zone-status-after-ems-crew-escapes-attack-38b06ada-876a-46f7-87c1-6de299200118 |access-date=30 November 2021 |agency=Cape Times |publisher=iol.co.za |date=29 November 2021}} On-duty nurses have been murdered, prompting the PSA to call for stricter security at health facilities.{{cite news |last1=Booysen |first1=Chevon |title=Nurse's murder prompts call for security crackdown |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/nurses-murder-prompts-call-for-security-crackdown-9bc019ba-87ab-42b7-bccf-8fb0ca73906c |access-date=6 January 2023 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=4 January 2023}} Women accused of witchcraft are murdered at regular intervals,{{cite news |last1= Sobuwa |first1=Yoliswa |title=Mob drowns gran they accused of witchcraft in Eastern Cape |url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-03-19-mob-drowns-gran-they-accused-of-witchcraft-in-eastern-cape/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=19 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Palezweni |first1=Yolanda |title=Woman, accused of being a witch, 'killed by mob' in Port Elizabeth |url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-10-woman-accused-of-being-a-witch-killed-by-mob-in-port-elizabeth/ |access-date= 22 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=10 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Khoza |first1=Mandla |title=Villagers kill old woman suspected of witchcraft |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-01-11-villagers-kill-old-woman-suspected-of-witchcraft/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=11 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Baloyi |first1=Thabo |title=Pair arrested for murder of Soweto woman accused of witchcraft |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/pair-arrested-for-murder-of-soweto-woman-accused-of-witchcraft/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency= The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=12 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Nkgadima |first1=Rudolf |title=WATCH: 'Witchcraft' is fueling human trafficking, says NGO |url= https://www.iol.co.za/multimedia/videos/watch-witchcraft-is-fuelling-human-trafficking-says-ngo-5bf553fc-bfc1-4ad7-ba20-23411715f8fa |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=30 November 2020}} a trend which is associated with poverty and illiteracy.{{cite journal |last1=Meel |first1=B. L. |title=Witchcraft in Transkei Region of South Africa: case report |journal= African Health Sciences |date=March 2009 |volume=9 |issue=1 |pages=61–64 |pmid=20842246 |pmc=2932523 }} As muggings have claimed the lives of many, the courts impose maximum sentences.{{cite news |last1=Comins |first1=Lyse |title=SA man sentenced to life in jail for 'barbaric' cellphone robbery murder |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/man-sentenced-port-elizabeth-gqeberha-murder/ |access-date=29 November 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=22 November 2021}}

There have been numerous press reports on the manipulation of crime statistics that have highlighted the existence of incentives not to record violent crime.[http://www.iss.co.za/uploads/CQ31Bruce.pdf The reliability of violent crime statistics] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120117072403/http://www.iss.co.za/uploads/CQ31Bruce.pdf |date=17 January 2012}} Studies Nonetheless, murder statistics for adults are considered accurate.{{cite news |url= http://www.economist.com/node/16248609|title=The great scourges|newspaper=The Economist|date=3 June 2010|access-date=5 January 2011 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110130102437/http://www.economist.com/node/16248609 |archive-date=30 January 2011 }} It is believed that 800 to 900 children are murdered annually, but a 2014 study found that child homicide is substantially under-reported in police statistics. Deaths of newborns due to abandonment or murder{{cite news |last1=Marriah-Maharaj |first1=Jolene |title=Newborn baby found dumped in rubbish bin in Durban |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/newborn-baby-found-dumped-in-rubbish-bin-in-durban-6bd80582-45a8-421c-9bf0-167947af042d |access-date=3 August 2022 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=2 August 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Maroela-redaksie |title= Pasgebore baba dood in dam gevind |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/pasgebore-baba-dood-in-dam-gevind/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=19 September 2021}} are filed as "concealment of birth" by the police, which contributes to an oversight in official statistics.{{cite news |last1= Greenblatt |first1= Alan |title= This 3-year-old's murder is part of South Africa's alarming 'epidemic' |url= https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2017/05/26/530011693/this-3-year-olds-murder-is-part-of-south-africa-s-alarming-epidemic |access-date= 29 September 2021 |work=NPR |date=26 May 2017}} The number of frail and handicapped patients that die at residential care facilities due to criminal neglect is unknown,{{cite news |last1=Perlman |first1= Harriet |last2= Nxumalo |first2=Darnell |last3=Lewis |first3=Mark |title=The Life Edidimeni Inquest – Portraits of lives lost: 'She was wearing someone else's dress that was too big' |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-11-04-portraits-of-lives-lost-she-was-wearing-someone-elses-dress-that-was-too-big/ |access-date=5 November 2021 |work=Maverick Citizen |agency=Daily Maverick |date=4 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Cloete |first1=Norman |title=Another death 'due to neglect' at former horror old age home |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/another-death-due-to-neglect-at-former-horror-old-age-home-18876108 |access-date=5 November 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |date=19 January 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Kubheka |first1=Thando |title=Gauteng Health Dept exec should take blame for Esidimeni tragedy – Ex-official |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/16/gauteng-health-dept-exec-should-take-blame-for-esidimeni-tragedy-says-ex-official |access-date=16 November 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=16 November 2021}} but is ascribed to a pattern of abuse which is widespread and under-reported.{{cite web |last1=Bateman |first1=Caroline |title=The shameful truth about elder abuse and what to do |url=https://www.mycomlink.co.za/posting.php?i=26524 |website=News Post [26524] |publisher=ComLink |date = 7 June 2016 |access-date=5 November 2021}}

{{Main|Sexual violence in South Africa}}

The country has one of the highest rates of rape in the world, with some 65,000 rapes and other sexual assaults reported for the year ending in March 2012, or 127.6 per 100,000 people in the country.{{cite web|url= https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/02/11/south_africa_gang_rape_a_symbol_of_nations_problem.html|title=South Africa gang rape a symbol of nation's problem|date=11 February 2013|work=Toronto Star|access-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150403020235/http://www.thestar.com/news/world/2013/02/11/south_africa_gang_rape_a_symbol_of_nations_problem.html|archive-date=3 April 2015}}{{cite web |title= Total sexual offences |url= http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/crimestats/2012/categories/total_sexual_offences.pdf |publisher= South African Police |access-date= 9 July 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121119095907/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/crimestats/2012/categories/total_sexual_offences.pdf |archive-date=19 November 2012 }} The high incidence of rape has led to the country being referred to as the "rape capital of the world",[http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/SA-rape-capital-of-the-world-20051122 SA 'rape capital' of the world] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170114013831/http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/SA-rape-capital-of-the-world-20051122 |date= 14 January 2017 }}, News24, 22 November 2005. Retrieved 7 January 2012. but this assertion might not be supported by facts.{{cite news |title=Why it is wrong to call SA (or any country) the 'rape capital of the world' |url= https://mg.co.za/article/2014-01-29-why-it-is-wrong-to-call-sa-or-any-country-the-rape-capital-of-the-world/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=National |date=29 January 2014}} One in three of the 4,000 women questioned by the Community of Information, Empowerment and Transparency said they had been raped in the past year.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1909220.stm |title=Rape- silent war on SA women |work=BBC News |access-date=15 May 2011 |date=9 April 2002 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110512031811/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/1909220.stm |archive-date=12 May 2011 }} More than 25% of South African men questioned in a survey published by the Medical Research Council (MRC) in June 2009 admitted to rape; of those, nearly half said they had raped more than one person."[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8107039.stm South African rape survey shock] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20111120082410/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/8107039.stm |date=20 November 2011 }}." BBC News. 18 June 2009.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=David |title=Quarter of men in South Africa admit rape, survey finds |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/jun/17/south-africa-rape-survey |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=17 June 2009}} Three out of four of those who had admitted rape indicated that they had attacked for the first time during their teenage years. South Africa has amongst the highest incidence of child and infant rape in the world,{{cite magazine |last=Perry |first=Alex |url= http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1680715,00.html?xid=feed-yahoo-full-world |title=Oprah scandal rocks South Africa |magazine=Time |date=5 November 2007 |access-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110430135641/http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1680715,00.html?xid=feed-yahoo-full-world |archive-date=30 April 2011 }} and sexual violence remains a scourge at day care facilities, schools, colleges, universities and churches.{{cite news |last1=Comins |first1=Lyse |title=Money preacher guilty of raping girls and 'witch' naming |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/money-preacher-guilty-of-raping-girls-and-witch-naming/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=16 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Orrin |title=More details of abuse and negligence emerge at KwaSizabantu Mission |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-10-28-more-details-of-abuse-and-negligence-emerge-at-kwasizabantu-mission/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=28 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Sifile |first1=Lindile |title=Youth pastor in court for sexual crimes against male congregants |url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-04-22-youth-pastor-in-court-for-sexual-crimes-against-male-congregants/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=22 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Maromo |first1= Jonisayi |title=SAPS boss welcomes harsh 30 year sentence for Mpumalanga pastor who molested boys |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/mpumalanga/saps-boss-welcomes-harsh-30-year-sentence-for-mpumalanga-pastor-who-molested-boys-53842784-412a-47f4-af3a-49b33514ac2b |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=5 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Venter |first1=Zelda |title=Pastor William Emeka gets 37 years in jail for rape |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/pastor-william-emeka-gets-37-years-in-jail-for-rape-df7e3004-0089-457c-af13-2a550eb8a657 |access-date=28 September 2021 |agency=Pretoria News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=28 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Luhanga |first1=Everson |title=Eastern Cape pastor aided by female accomplice to rape and enslave victims |url= https://scrolla.africa/eastern-cape-pastor-aided-by-female-accomplice-to-rape-and-enslave-victims/ |access-date=16 November 2021 |agency= Scrolla |publisher=scrolla.africa |date=16 November 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Francke |first1= Robin-Lee |title=Pastor addicted to porn sentenced to 54 years for rape |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/pastor-addicted-to-porn-sentenced-to-54-years-for-rape-bf35069a-9b25-4b08-907e-baec85a0f5c6 |access-date=9 November 2022 |agency= IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=8 November 2022}} Statutory rape is evidently common with almost 700 births recorded during 2020 where the mother was 9 or 10 years of age.{{cite news |last1=Bhengu |first1=Lwandile |title=More than 600 girls aged 9 and 10 gave birth in 2020 - Stats SA |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/688-girls-as-young-as-9-and-10-gave-birth-in-2020-stats-sa-20211112 |access-date=15 November 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=12 November 2021}} A sexual misconduct unit is envisaged for the SANDF, which has convicted and fired a number of soldiers for sexual assault.{{cite news |last1=Zama |first1=Zanele |title=Mapisa-Nqakula: The devil is in SANDF sexual assault penalties for perpetrators |url= https://www.702.co.za/articles/410872/mapisa-nqakula-the-devil-is-in-sandf-sexual-assault-penalties-for-perpetrators |access-date=11 March 2021 |work=Local |agency=702. |publisher=702.co.za |date=10 March 2021}}

File:Hijacking Hotspot, R511 in Gauteng (South Africa).jpg Hotspot" warning sign, R511 in Gauteng]]

South Africa has a high record of carjacking when compared with other industrialised countries.{{cite web|last=ISS |title=Crime in South Africa: A country and cities profile |url=http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/Papers/49/Paper49.html |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |access-date=5 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130126012903/http://www.iss.co.za/Pubs/Papers/49/Paper49.html |archive-date=26 January 2013}} Insurance company Hollard Insurance stated in 2007 that they would no longer insure Volkswagen Citi Golfs, as they were one of the country's most frequently carjacked vehicles.{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/why-insurance-firm-snubs-citi-golfs-376124 |title=Why insurance firm snubs Citi Golfs |work=Independent Online |location=South Africa |date=24 October 2007 |access-date=19 February 2025 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230706191859/https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/why-insurance-firm-snubs-citi-golfs-376124 |archive-date=6 July 2023}} Certain high-risk areas{{Cite web|date=15 November 2017|title=Hijacking In South Africa On The Rise: Where, when and which cars|url=https://moneypanda.co.za/news/hijacking-in-sa-when-where-which-cars/|access-date=23 June 2020|website=Moneypanda |language=en-US}} are marked with road signs indicating a high incidence of carjackings within the locality.{{cite web |url=http://www.secondbestblog.com/2007/04/extreme-weekend.html |title=Extreme weekend |access-date=17 July 2008 |website=secondbestblog.com |date=15 April 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305113110/http://www.secondbestblog.com/2007/04/extreme-weekend.html |archive-date=5 March 2012}} Smash-and-grab robbers or opportunist vagrants target slow-moving traffic in cities, cars at filling stations or motorists that have become stranded beside highways.{{cite news |last1=The Newsroom |title=Stranded Durban motorist robbed, shot |url=https://www.enca.com/south-africa/stranded-durban-motorist-robbed-shot |access-date=12 March 2019 |agency=eNCA |date=24 June 2016}} More brazen robbers may resort to throwing rocks, petrol bombs or wet cement at vehicles to bring them to a standstill, or may drop rocks from overpasses. Various debris like spikes,{{cite news |last1=Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title=Motorist [Sello Kgasi] shot dead after spikes laid on the road by his attackers puncture vehicle's tyres |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/north-west/motorist-shot-dead-after-spikes-laid-on-the-road-by-his-attackers-puncture-vehicles-tyres-b4832fe9-985e-4f16-b39d-e24ab2d9deee |access-date=4 May 2021 |work=North West |agency=IOL |location=South Africa |date=3 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Louw-Carstens |first1=Marietie |title=Taxibestuurder [Sello Kgasi] voorgelê, doodgeskiet |work=Kortliks |agency =Beeld |issue=4 |date=6 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Van der Merwe |first1=Anja |title=Motoris skiet ysterpenboef dood |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/motoris-skiet-ysterpenboef-dood/ |access-date=21 September 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=20 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mzangwe |first1=Lunga |title=Man shot and robbed after spiking incident on N1 north |url=https://rekord.co.za/390737/lunga-mzangweemer-g-medparamedics-hammasnkraal-n1-spike-incident/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |work=Local News |agency=Rekord |publisher=rekord.co.za |date=September 2021}} concrete slabs, tyres or rocks are also placed on roadways, or a car may be tapped or bumped to induce the driver to leave the vehicle. So-called "blue light gangs" have been active in Gauteng since 2018,{{cite news |last1= Karrim |first1=Azarrah |title=Alleged blue light hijackers nabbed in Gauteng |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/alleged-blue-light-hijackers-nabbed-in-gauteng-20200208# |access-date=10 September 2020 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=8 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Pijoos |first1=Iavan |title= Couple's car hijacked by 'blue light gang' in Vaal, wife found dead |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-02-05-inseparable-couple-hijacked-by-blue-light-gang-in-vaal-wife-killed/ |access-date=10 September 2020 |agency=Sunday Times: TimeLive |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=5 February 2020}}{{cite web |title='Blue Light' gangs remain a hijacking scourge in Gauteng |url=https://fleetwatch.co.za/blue-light-gangs-remain-a-hijacking-scourge-in-gauteng/ |website=FleetWatch |publisher=fleetwatch.co.za |date=6 September 2019|access-date=10 September 2020}} who employ vehicles fitted with blue lights and sirens, and wear police apparel to convince motorists or truckers to cooperate.

Criminals also target freight trucks, courier vehicles and the lucrative goods that are transported in them.{{cite news |title=Massive spike in these 2 types of crimes in Gauteng |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/449353/massive-spike-in-these-2-types-of-crimes-in-gauteng/ |access-date=1 March 2021 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=17 November 2020}} A blue light gang may induce a truck driver to stop, or criminals in unmarked vehicles may pull up along the truck to convince the driver that something is wrong with the tires or load. If the driver stops he is boxed in and abducted. 1,202 cases of truck hijacking were reported to the SAPS in 2019/20. Bus drivers are often the targets of attacks, and some of these are ascribed to a campaign of violence by a taxi mafia.{{cite news |last1=Cruywagen |first1=Vincent |title= Latest attack on long-distance bus driver sparks Cape crackdown on violent 'extortionists' |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-08-02-latest-attack-on-long-distance-bus-driver-sparks-cape-crackdown-on-violent-extortionists/ |access-date=3 August 2022 |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=2 August 2022}} The attacks include about a dozen shootings a month, besides stonings and other acts of intimidation directed at bus drivers or their passengers.

Preventive police operations on N1, N2, N7, R300, M9 and R102 highways are aimed at reducing crime on these roads,{{cite news |last1=Naidoo |first1=Shanice |title=Watch out for perils of hijack hot spots |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/watch-out-for-perils-of-hijack-hot-spots-29128262 |access-date=13 March 2019 |agency=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=13 July 2019}} and Durban Metro Police has established a street crime unit that will attend to attacks on motorists in the city.{{cite news |last1=Rall |first1=Se-Anne |title=Motorists attacked by knife-wielding vagrants |url=https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/motorists-attacked-by-knife-wielding-vagrants-19824242 |access-date=12 March 2019 |work=The Mercury |location=South Africa |date=12 March 2019}}

{{main|Taxi wars in South Africa}}

South African taxi operators regularly engage in turf wars to control lucrative routes.{{cite news |last1=Palm |first1=Kaylynn |title='Taxing' the taxis: Cape Town operators accuse Codeta of extortion |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/26/taxing-the-taxis-cape-town-operators-accuse-codeta-of-extortion |access-date=26 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=26 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Ludidi |first1=Velani |title=Seven dead this morning as taxi related murders climb to 71 |url=https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/seven-dead-this-morning-as-taxi-related-murders-climb-to-71-a4022bd9-cd96-453e-acd7-689d91662a5d |access-date=7 July 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=7 July 2021}} A high number of murders of taxi owners or drivers have not resulted in either arrests or successful prosecutions,{{cite news |last1=Shivambo |first1=Giyani |title='Cops' vested interest fillips taxi killings' |url= https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/cops-vested-interest-fillips-taxi-killings-20180728 |access-date=3 August 2018 |agency=City Press |location= South Africa |publisher=News 24 |date=29 July 2018}} and this has been blamed on vested interests of police officials. In 2021 the SAPS assembled a dedicated detective team to investigate a surge in these crimes in the Western Cape.{{cite news |last1= Isaacs |first1= Lauren |title=Madikizela: WC has recorded 25 taxi-related murders since January |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/12/madikizela-wc-has-recorded-25-taxi-related-murders-since-January |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency= Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=12 April 2021}} A private bus operator in the province has however won consecutive cases against the MEC, national police commissioners and the Department of Transport for their failures in protecting it from attacks following its rejection of extortion demands from the taxi mafia.{{cite news |title=South African transport giant declares war on taxi mafia |url=https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/65068/south-african-transport-giant-declares-war-on-taxi-mafia/ |access-date=4 October 2024 |agency=Daily Investor |date=2 October 2024}}

Cash-in-transit (CIT) heists have at times reached epidemic proportions in South Africa.{{cite web |last1= Burgess |first1=Anneliese |title=Cash-in-transit heists are a mutating, spreading virus |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2018-05-10-00-cash-in-transit-heists-are-a-mutating-spreading-virus |work=Mail & Guardian | date = 10 May 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018}} These are well-planned operations with military-style execution,{{cite web |title= Foiling cash-in-transit heists |url= https://www.csir.co.za/foiling-cash-transit-heists |website= csir.co.za |publisher= CSIR |access-date= 16 July 2018 |archive-date= 16 July 2018 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180716194823/https://www.csir.co.za/foiling-cash-transit-heists |url-status= dead }} where the robbers use stolen luxury vehicles and high-powered automatic firearms{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Storm |title=Gang of 30 armed robbers pull off CIT heist, set vehicles alight in Joburg |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/johannesburg-cit-cash-in-transit-heist-n17-n1-30-suspects-8-vehicles-monday-night-5-july-2021 |access-date=28 July 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=6 July 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Hosken |first1=Graeme |title=Brazen Pretoria CIT robbery sparks fears of early start to SA heist season |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-09-27-brazen-pretoria-cit-robbery-sparks-fears-of-early-start-to-sa-heist-season/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=27 September 2021}} to bring the armoured car to a stop. Some 44% of CIT attacks occur while money personnel are on foot from the vehicle to the client's place of business.{{cite web |last1=Thompson |first1=Warren |title=Cash-in-transit industry launches alliance to counter violent attacks |url=https://www.sbv.co.za/cash-in-transit-industry-launches-alliance-to-counter-violent-attacks/ |website=SBV |publisher=sbv.co.za |access-date=7 November 2020 |date=6 February 2020}} In 2006 there were 467 reported cases, 400 in 2007/2008,{{cite news |last1=Smillie |first1=Shaun |title=Ex-cons driving cash-in-transit heists |url= https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/ex-cons-driving-cash-in-transit-heists-14686953 |access-date=3 August 2018 |agency=Saturday Star |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=28 April 2018}} 119 in 2012, 180 in 2014, 370 in 2017, 116 in 2018 and 90 in 2019. Arrest rates are generally low, but it was believed that the 2017/2018 spate of heists in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng were brought to an end with the arrest of Wellington Cenenda. Several gangs believed to be part of his crime syndicate were also rounded up.{{cite web |last1=Modise |first1=Kgomotso |title= Hawks: Arrest of cash-in-transit heist mastermind will collapse network |url= http://ewn.co.za/2018/07/16/hawks-arrest-of-cash-in-transit-heist-mastermind-will-collapse-network |website= ewn.co.za |publisher=Eyewitness News | date = 16 July 2018 |access-date=16 July 2018}} These crimes are often perpetrated by ex convicts who are willing to commit extreme violence. They typically act on inside information with cooperation of a police official, or the guards themselves.{{cite news |last1=Mthethwa |first1=Cebelihle |title=R3.2m found in a bin, 3 arrested after Joburg cash-in-transit robbery |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/r32m-found-in-a-bin-3-arrested-after-joburg-cash-in-transit-robbery-20201102 |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=2 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Rall |first1=Se-Anne |title=KZN cash guard accused of stealing R2m, arrested after 4 years on the run |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/kzn-cash-guard-accused-of-stealing-r2m-arrested-after-4-years-on-the-run-c1f3f205-153a-4742-9f3d-759d17263ca6 |access-date=16 September 2021 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=10 September 2021}} In 2020 the three largest CIT companies resolved to launch an association that would co-ordinate efforts to counter the unacceptably high levels of violent attacks.

Automated teller machines are blown up, portable ATMs are stolen,{{cite news |title=WATCH: Brazen Eastern Cape bakkie thieves make off with entire Sassa ATM |url= https://www.news24.com/Video/SouthAfrica/News/watch-brazen-eastern-cape-bakkie-thieves-make-off-with-entire-sassa-atm-20180802 |access-date=3 August 2018 |agency=News 24 Video |date=2 August 2018}} or persons who withdraw grants from these machines are targeted afterward. R104 million was taken in a 2014 cash centre heist in Witbank where the gang impersonated police officers.{{cite web |last1=Burgess |first1=Anneliese |title='Easy, lucrative and low risk' – why SA's cash-in transit crime rates are so high |url=https://www.w24.co.za/Entertainment/Books/book-extract-heist-south-africas-cash-in-transit-epidemic-uncovered-20180618 |website=w24.co.za |publisher=W24 |date = 19 June 2018 |access-date=3 August 2018}}

{{main|South African farm attacks}}

File:South African farm attack and farm murder graph (2010-2023).png

From 1994 to 2020 South Africa experienced 13,000 farm attacks, during which 2,000 commercial farmers were killed{{cite web |last1=Buys |first1=Flip |title=Tien lesse uit Senekal-gebeure |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/debat/meningsvormers/tien-lesse-uit-senekal-gebeure/ |website=Maroela Media |access-date=21 October 2020 |date = 20 October 2020}} besides others who were injured or wounded. Since 2014 black farmers have also become victims.{{cite news |last1=van Heerden |first1=Sune |title= Eerste swart boere-egpaar, Andrew en Loryn Monakane, op plaas in Vrystaat vermoor – Afriforum |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/eerste-swart-boere-egpaar-op-plaas-vrystaat-vermoor-afriforum/ |access-date=19 October 2020 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=26 May 2014}}{{cite news |last1=Strydom |first1=Nico |title= Vrystaat-boer sterf weke na aanval |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/vrystaat-boer-sterf-weke-na-aanval/ |access-date= 11 November 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=8 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Kleynhans |first1=Leona |title=Mandeni Johannes Moloi murdered in farm attack - DA FState |url= https://www.politicsweb.co.za/politics/mandeni-johannes-moloi-murdered-in-farm-attack--da |access-date=15 November 2020 |agency= PoliticsWeb |publisher=politicsweb.co.za |date=5 October 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Head |first1=Tom |title=Farm murder: Outrage as KZN farmer, 80, tied to a tree and shot dead |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/farm-murders-south-africa-mpozana-khumalo-muden/ |access-date=1 December 2020 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=1 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Zuzile |first1=Mpumzi |title=Man who murdered, robbed EC farmer sentenced to life |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-09-18-man-who-murdered-robbed-ec-farmer-sentenced-to-life/ |access-date=4 December 2020 |agency=TimesLive |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=18 September 2020}} Residents of farms have a four times greater chance to be murdered than the average South African, and the elderly constitute a large proportion of victims.{{cite news |last1=Moyane |first1=Dan |last2=Urlings |first2=Guido |title=Afriforum: 64% of victims over the age of 50 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C1s879tRrI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/-C1s879tRrI |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=12 June 2021 |agency=eNCA |via=YouTube |date=11 June 2021}}{{cbignore}} However, there is insufficient data to reliably estimate a murder rate for South African farmers. These crimes against farmers and their black or white staff{{cite web |url=http://www.702.co.za/articles/278024/more-black-farm-workers-are-killed-than-white-farm-workers |title='More black farm workers are killed than white farm workers' – Johan Burger |website=702 |url-status=live |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180129033752/http://702.co.za/articles/278024/more-black-farm-workers-are-killed-than-white-farm-workers |archive-date=29 January 2018}}{{cite web |last1=Ngcakani |first1=Noluthando |title=ATTACKS: Everyone on a farm is a victim or potential victim |url=https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/attacks-everyone-on-a-farm-is-a-victim-or-potential-victim/ |website=foodformzansi.co.za |access-date=23 November 2020 |date=15 July 2020}} have gained notable press, given the country's past racial tensions.

[http://mg.co.za/article/2011-09-09-counting-south-africas-crimes Counting South Africa's crimes] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121015145214/http://mg.co.za/article/2011-09-09-counting-south-africas-crimes |date=15 October 2012 }}, Mail and Guardian. Retrieved 2 October 2012.[http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Farmer-killed-dragged-behind-bakkie-20110501 Farmer killed, dragged behind bakkie] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110502085727/http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Farmer-killed-dragged-behind-bakkie-20110501 |date=2 May 2011 }}, news24.com. Retrieved 2 May 2011.{{cite web|url= http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/2010/04/100407_outlook_south_africa_ralfe.shtml |title=BBC World Service - Programmes - South Africa Farm Murder|access-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140727072944/http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/programmes/2010/04/100407_outlook_south_africa_ralfe.shtml |archive-date= 27 July 2014}}{{cite web|url= http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/267463|title=Two more S.African farmers killed: death toll now at 3,037 |work=Digital Journal|date=17 February 2009 |access-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110520125757/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/267463/ |archive-date=20 May 2011}} Proposed solutions include the creation of specialised reaction units, research and statistical analysis, improved crime intelligence, drone and other technology and the designation of farm attacks as priority crimes.{{cite news |title=Kommer oor toename in plaasaanvalle in Addo |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/kommer-oor-toename-in-plaasaanvalle-in-addo/ |access-date=19 October 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |date=18 October 2020}} The DA proposed harsher sentences and a reclassification of farm attacks as priority and hate crimes.{{cite news |title=Plaasmoorde: DA trek 'n duidelike streep in die sand |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/plaasmoorde-da-trek-n-duidelike-streep-in-die-sand/ |access-date=2 November 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=20 November 2020}} Bheki Cele, in a written reply to parliament, said that farm attacks or murders would not be classified as priority crimes, but assured parliamentarians that farm murders are taken very seriously.{{cite news |last1=Seleka |first1=Ntwaagae |title=WATCH l Police van torched as farmers storm holding cells of Brendin Horner murder accused |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/just-in-armed-free-state-farmers-storm-holding-cells-of-brendin-horner-murder-accused-20201006 |access-date=10 October 2020 |newspaper=News24 |date=6 October 2020}}

Kidnapping in South Africa is common, with over 4,100 occurring in the 2013/2014 period. A child is reported missing every 5 hours (not all due to kidnapping), of which 23% are not located.{{cite web|url= http://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/publications/statistics/crimestats/2014/crime_stats.php|title=Crime Statistics: April 2013 - March 2014 |publisher=South African Police Service|access-date=10 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150306091339/http://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/publications/statistics/crimestats/2014/crime_stats.php | archive-date=6 March 2015}}{{cite web |url= http://missingchildren.org.za/|title=The Shocking Reality |publisher= missingchildren.org.za |access-date= 10 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150314235230/http://www.missingchildren.org.za/|archive-date=14 March 2015 }}

{{See also|Gangs in South Africa}}

File:Thug-life-manenberg.jpg. ]]

In the Nyanga, Mitchells Plain, Delft, and Bishop Lavis townships and suburbs of the Western Cape, gang violence is tightly connected to rates of murder and attempted murder. Gang activity occurs in areas of poor lighting, high unemployment levels, substance abuse and crowded spatial development. Gang bosses and drug lords are well-known members of the community, and while feared, may also receive praise from their community.{{cite web |last1=Ngalo |first1=Aphiwe |last2=Dyantyi |first2=Hlumela |title=Murder, attempted murder and robbery the three biggest headaches for SAPS |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2018-09-27-murder-attempted-murder-and-robbery-the-three-biggest-headaches-for-saps/ |work = Daily Maverick |date=26 September 2018 |access-date=27 September 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Nortier |first1=Christi |title=At some point we have to make sure that we address crime from its roots |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/featured/‘at-some-point-we-have-to-make-sure-that-we-address-crime-from-its-roots’/ar-BBQhXHM?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=30 November 2018 |work=Daily Maverick |date=30 November 2018}} They may support poor families who cannot otherwise pay their rent, or engage in a variety of humanitarian activities.{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Dan |title='My father drank black tea' – Alleged drug lord Teddy Mafia mourned: According to his daughter, alleged drug kingpin Yaganathan Pillay (AKA Teddy Mafia) was a generous benefactor to the Chatsworth community. |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/who-is-teddy-mafia-yaganathan-pillay-durban-druglord-killed-5-January-2021/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |work=thesouthafrican.com |agency=The South African |date=5 January 2021}} Outside the Cape Flats area, gangs are also active along drug routes in northern Port Elizabeth.{{cite news |title=Cele on gang violence in Eastern Cape |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jc7jKNzn8Wk |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/Jc7jKNzn8Wk |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=3 December 2018 |agency=eNCA |via=YouTube |date= 3 December 2018}}{{cbignore}} Gangster violence erupted in Westbury in Johannesburg in 2018, in Phoenix, Durban, during 2019,{{cite web |title=Gang-related crimes growing across South Africa |url=https://www.enca.com/news/gang-related-crimes-growing-across-country |website=eNCA |date=10 June 2019 |access-date=13 July 2019}} and intermittently in Shallcross, Durban, from 2019 to 2021.{{cite news |last1=Singh |first1=Orrin |title=More than R100k in drugs found at flat near Teddy Mafia's home, Hawks confirm |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-01-13-more-than-r100k-in-drugs-discovered-at-premises-near-teddy-mafias-home-hawks-confirm/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=13 January 2021}} In 2019, after 13 gang-related deaths in one day in Philippi, the military was authorized to assist a contingent of police to "seal" off affected areas, and "stamp the authority of the state" on the area.{{cite news |title=Ramaphosa gives green light for army to go into Cape's gang-infested areas |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/featured/ramaphosa-gives-green-light-for-army-to-go-into-capes-gang-infested-areas/ar-AAEbYsC?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=12 July 2019 |work=Daily Maverick |publisher=News24 |date=12 July 2019}} In 2021, amid a proliferation of illegal firearms,{{cite news |last1=Daniels |first1=Nicola |title=Illegal guns 'driving' violent crime in Cape Flats - WC top cop |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/illegal-guns-driving-violent-crime-in-cape-flats-wc-top-cop-6779bdec-497a-413b-987e-b0c13a9c76db |access-date=6 March 2021 |work=Cape Times |location=South Africa |date=2 March 2021}} gang violence was affecting vulnerable communities in Lavender Hill, Hanover Park, Manenberg, Mfuleni, Wesbank and Philippi,{{cite news |last1= Isaacs |first1=Lauren |title=Children paying the price for escalating gang violence in Cape Town |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/09/children-paying-the-price-for-escalating-gang-violence-in-cape-town |access-date=9 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=9 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Palm |first1=Kaylynn |title=CT police and law enforcement grilled over plans to tackle gang violence |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/01/ct-police-and-law-enforcement-grilled-over-plans-to-tackle-gang-violence |access-date=9 April 2021 |date = 1 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za}} and a community initiative to bring peace in Mitchells Plain failed to make headway.{{cite news |last1=Thebus |first1=Shakirah |title=Mitchells Plain shootings: Gang leaders 'do not want peace on the Cape Flats' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/mitchells-plain-shootings-gang-leaders-do-not-want-peace-on-the-cape-flats-76af7f44-1762-4a97-93bf-5c6028166203 |access-date=6 March 2021 |work=Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=2 March 2021}} Witnesses have noted that they do not consider it worthwhile the risk and exposure to testify against gang members.{{cite news |title=It's not worth testifying when gangsters walk free, says Roegshanda Pascoe's scared kids |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/crime/its-not-worth-testifying-when-gangsters-walk-free-says-roegshanda-pascoes-scared-kids/ar-AAGJUmE?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=5 September 2019 |work=Cape Times |date=4 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Serra |first1=Genevieve |title=Mom forgives newly-weds' killers |url= https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/mom-forgives-newly-weds-killers-465657a8-ef91-48c1-b46a-9fd70f199ce0 |access-date=28 March 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=28 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Cruywagen |first1=Vincent |title=Flamingo Heights: A small Cape settlement with a big heart fights threat of gangsterism and drugs |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-08-12-flamingo-heights-a-small-cape-settlement-with-a-big-heart-fights-threat-of-gangsterism-and-drugs/ |access-date=13 August 2021 |work=Maverick Citizen |date=12 August 2021}} Extortion rackets are a rising trend in gang areas,{{cite news |last1=Palm |first1=Kaylynn |title=Cele reveals more than 100 arrests made related to CT extortion rackets |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/09/cele-reveals-more-than-100-arrests-made-related-to-ct-extortion-rackets |access-date=20 May 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=9 April 2021}} and affects residents, commuters, small businesses and service delivery.{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1=Devon |title=Eskom cuts supply to Khayelitsha after gangs demand R20,000 protection fee |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/451307/eskom-cuts-supply-to-khayelitsha-after-gangs-demand-r20-000-protection-fee |access-date=4 August 2022 |agency=CapeTalk 567AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=4 August 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Thomas |first1= Devon |title=Eskom, police, Khayelitsha residents collaborate to defeat extortionists |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/451333/eskom-on-withdrawing-services-to-parts-of-khayelitsha-due-to-extortion-threats |access-date=4 August 2022 |agency=CapeTalk 567AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=4 August 2022}}

{{see also|Xenophobia in South Africa}}

File:South Africa-Xenophobia-001.jpg camp in Gauteng, erected in 2008 for refugees from xenophobic attacks]]

Outbreaks of xenophobic violence have become a regular occurrence in South Africa. These acts are perpetrated by the poorest of the poor, and have been ascribed to a combination of socio-economic issues relating to immigration, migration, lack of economic opportunity, and the ineffective administration of these. The 2019 spate of attacks in Gauteng were in part ascribed to premeditated criminality.{{cite news |title=Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula: Gauteng violence well-organised criminality |url= https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/crime/nosiviwe-mapisa-nqakula-gauteng-violence-well-organised-criminality/ar-AAH1uz8?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=10 September 2019 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=MSN |date=10 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mtshali |first1=Samkelo |title=Union calls on South Africans to stop 'evil' xenophobic violence |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/union-calls-on-south-africans-to-stop-evil-xenophobic-violence-31996644 |access-date=10 September 2019 |work=Politics |agency=IOL News (Political Bureau) |publisher=iol.com |date=5 September 2019}} Hundreds of foreigners had to seek safety, while twelve people were killed and dozens of small businesses belonging to foreigners were looted or completely destroyed.{{cite news |title=ADF wants government to deploy troops to stop anti-migrant violence |url= https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/crime/adf-wants-government-to-deploy-troops-to-stop-anti-migrant-violence/ar-AAH4aoG?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=10 September 2019 |agency=eNCA |publisher=MSN |date = 10 September 2010 }} Hundreds of arrests were made on charges of attempted murder, public violence, unlawful possession of firearms and malicious damage to property.{{cite news |last1=ANA reporter |title=74 more people arrested over violent xenophobic attacks in Gauteng |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/74-more-people-arrested-over-violent-xenophobic-attacks-in-gauteng-32343638 |access-date=10 September 2019 |work=6 September 2019 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.com}}{{cite news |title=Over 90 arrested in Joburg CBD violence |url= https://www.enca.com/news/over-90-arrested-joburg-cbd-violence |access-date=10 September 2019 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=3 September 2019}} From Jeppestown the violence spread to Denver, Cleveland, Malvern, Katlehong, Turffontein, Maboneng, Johannesburg CBD and Marabastad. The African Diaspora Forum prompted the government to declare a state of emergency and suggested the deployment of troops. Some victims accused the country's leadership and the police of inaction, and Nigeria arranged voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa. South African businesses in Nigeria were attacked in reprisals, and South Africa's High Commission in Nigeria was temporarily closed.{{cite news |last1=Fabricius |first1=Peter |title=Minister Naledi Pandor dubs attacks on foreigners 'embarrassing' and 'shameful' |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/africa/minister-naledi-pandor-dubs-attacks-on-foreigners-embarrassing-and-shameful/ar-AAH2TTP?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=11 September 2019 |work=Daily Maverick |publisher=MSN |date=10 September 2019}} Malicious rumours of attacks by foreigners caused the closing of several schools. Operation Dudula members which have protested the allegedly laissez-faire approach followed by Home Affairs in regards to illegal immigrants, have pointed out that their activism should not be linked to xenophobic motives.{{cite news |last1=Bhengu |first1=Cebelihle |title='Illegal immigration is a crime' — 'Lux' Dlamini denies Operation Dudula is xenophobic |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-04-11-illegal-immigration-is-a-crime-lux-dlamini-denies-operation-dudula-is-xenophobic/ |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=timeslive.co.za |publisher=Sunday Times |date=11 April 2022}}

{{Main|Corruption in South Africa}}

PricewaterhouseCoopers' fourth biennial global economic crime survey reported a 110% increase in fraud reports from South African companies in 2005. 83% of South African companies reported being affected by white collar crime in 2005, and 72% of South African companies reported being affected in 2007. 64% of the South African companies surveyed stated that they pressed forward with criminal charges upon detection of fraud. 3% of companies said that they each lost more than 10 million South African rand in two years due to fraud.{{Cite web|title=Global economic crime survey|url=https://www.pwc.co.za/en/publications/global-economic-crime-survey.html|last=PricewaterhouseCoopers|website=PwC|language=en-za|access-date=28 May 2020}}

Louis Strydom, the head of PricewaterhouseCoopers' forensic auditing division, said that the increase in fraud reports originates from "an increased focus on fraud risk management and embedding a culture of whistle-blowing". According to the survey, 45% of cases involved a perpetrator between the ages of 31 and 40: 64% of con men held a high school education or less."[http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=322032&area=/breaking_news/breaking_news__business/ SA, capital of white-collar crime] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016121619/http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=322032&area=%2Fbreaking_news%2Fbreaking_news__business%2F |date=16 October 2007 }} date=May 2016

The Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric) indicated that credit and debit card fraud increased by 20.5% between 2018 and 2019,{{cite news |last1=Venter |first1=Juan |title='Nosy' Ballito resident busts card cloning syndicate |url= https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/2321627/nosy-ballito-resident-busts-card-cloning-syndicate/ |access-date=23 November 2020 |work= crime |location=South Africa |date=15 July 2020}} and the perpetrators manage to bag hundreds of millions annually.{{cite news |last1=Haasbroek |first1=JD |title=Credit card fraud in restaurants |url= https://www.eatout.co.za/article/credit-card-fraud-in-restaurants/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |agency=Eat Out |publisher= eatout.co.za |date= 30 January 2013}} Cloning (or skimming) of bank cards at filling stations, toll gates, ATMs and restaurants is a recurring problem,{{cite news |last1=du Plooy |first1=Cerise |title=Filling station card cloner busted |url= https://issuu.com/carletonvilleherald/docs/ch_20130208 |access-date=23 November 2020 |work=Carletonville Herald |page= 5 |publisher= issuu.com |date=8 February 2013}} while sim card swopping is one of several tactics employed by thieves to change PIN numbers and get access to client accounts.{{cite news |last1= Viljoen |first1= Nettalie |title= Theft out of car leaves couple out of pocket |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/Local/Peoples-Post/theft-out-of-car-leaves-couple-out-of-pocket-20210222 |access-date=25 February 2021 |agency=People's Post |publisher=news24.com |date=23 February 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Naidoo |first1=Shanice |title=Elderly warned against new bank scam |url= https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/elderly-warned-against-new-bank-scam-019e9d31-932a-47f5-9435-df0d2e2a86bf |access-date=20 April 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=10 April 2021}} Operators of phishing scams launch either massive or selective email distributions, paired with a malicious copy of a legitimate website.{{cite news |last1=Staff writer |title=FNB warns of new 'remote' scams targeting customers in South Africa |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/559110/fnb-warns-of-new-remote-scams-targeting-customers-in-south-africa/ |access-date=21 February 2022 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=19 February 2022}} Consumers may apply for free protective registration at the Southern African Fraud Protection Service (SAFPS), an NPO which i.a. aims to protect individuals against financial fraud through impersonation.{{cite news |title='Bank rep' call about large transaction on store card prompts new scam alert |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-01-20-bank-rep-call-about-large-transaction-on-store-card-prompts-new-scam-alert/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |agency=TimesLive |publisher=sowetanlive.co.za |date=20 January 2022}}

In 2018 VBS Bank collapsed following a spate of corruption, fraud, theft, racketeering and money laundering,{{cite news |last1=Head |first1=Tom |title=Just in: Five more VBS arrests made – including a 'prominent politician' |url = https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/vbs-bank-arrests-who-has-been-arrested-politician-thursday-11-march/ |access-date=11 March 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=11 March 2021}}{{cite news |title=Three more people arrested for VBS scandal, total arrests now at 23 |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/16/three-more-people-arrested-for-vbs-scandal-total-arrests-now-at-23 |access-date=16 November 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=16 November 2021}} and claims totaling R1.5 billion were submitted to the liquidator. Fourteen municipalities had deposits which were illegal in terms of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), while KPMG partners had additional financial interests.{{cite news |author=Staff writer|title=KPMG South Africa says two partners resign after facing disciplinary charges |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-safrica-kpmg-idUSKBN1HL0ZA |access-date=11 August 2022 |work=Business News |agency=Reuters |publisher=reuters.com |date=14 April 2018}} The largest were a R245 million deposit by Fetakgomo/Tubatse Municipality, and a R161 million deposit by Giyani Municipality. By November 2020 some 411 retailers, stokvels and funeral homes have also submitted claims totalling R322 million.{{cite news |last1=African News Agency |title=VBS-skandaal: Munisipaliteite soek R15 miljard terug |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/vbs-skandaal-munisipaliteite-soek-r15-miljard-terug/ |access-date=6 November 2020 |agency= Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=3 November 2020}} At the Postbank,{{cite news |last1=Maartens |first1=Kevin (Acting CEO: Postbank) |last2=Kamwendo |first2=Sakina |title=R90 Million of SASSA funds allegedly stolen from the Postbank |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7644dwO7po |access-date=6 April 2022 |work= MorningLiveSABC |agency= SABCNews |publisher=YouTube |date=1 April 2022}} ABSA and Capitec, hackers and IT specialists have embezzled millions through unauthorized transfers.{{cite news |last1=Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title=Third suspect in R103m Absa theft arrested while in court for allegedly stealing R3.4m from Capitec |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/third-suspect-in-r103m-absa-theft-arrested-while-in-court-for-allegedly-stealing-r34m-from-capitec-20220201 |access-date=19 March 2022 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=1 February 2022}} Similar transfers totalling R248 million were affected by a fraudulent debit order system, allegedly set up in 2018 by a syndicate of call centre operators.{{cite news |title=South Africans lose millions to R99 'debit order' scams |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/banking/584846/south-africans-lose-millions-to-r99-debit-order-scams/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |agency=Business Tech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=10 May 2022}}

Banks have converted their cash handling and transactions to electronic means, ATM's and independent cash-in-transit services. Traditional armed and violent bank heists have consequently reached low levels, with none recorded in the year ending March 2020.{{cite news |title=South Africa crime stats 2020: everything you need to know |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/421424/south-africa-crime-stats-2020-everything-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=6 November 2020 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=31 July 2020}}

Land invasion in and around major cities is a growing concern, and affects private as well as state-owned land.{{cite news |last1=Kheswa |first1=Mawande |title=Land invasions costing eThekwini millions |url= https://www.enca.com/news/land-invasions-costing-ethekwini-millions |access-date=20 April 2021 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=10 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Zulu |first1=Makhosandile |title=Land invasions a growing concern for City of Johannesburg |url= https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/1853758/land-invasions-a-growing-concern-for-johannesburg/ |access-date=19 October 2020 |work= The Citizen |location=South Africa |date=13 March 2018}}{{cite news |title=Land invasion contravenes Covid-19 regulations, says City of Cape Town |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/land-invasion-contravenes-covid-19-regulations-says-city-of-cape-town-46600763 |access-date=19 October 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=11 April 2020}} Land grabs were formerly linked to the expansion of cramped informal settlements. More recently land occupations were organised by persons who take advantage of uncertainty around the relevant land policy. People are encouraged by SMS to act in unison, and drive from afar to illegally occupy plots which are sold unlawfully for profit.{{cite news |last1=Molefe |first1=Russel |title=Alleged Limpopo land sales scam: Court grants 6 suspects bail |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/alleged-limpopo-land-sales-scam-court-grants-6-suspects-bail-20200813 |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=23 August 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Sadike |first1=Mashudu |title=11 accused in dock for allegedly selling privately-owned land in Limpopo |url= https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/11-accused-in-dock-for-allegedly-selling-privately-owned-land-in-limpopo-1f66d690-3cd7-4822-a68c-abcef3859bdb |access-date=22 April 2021 |work=Pretoria News |location=South Africa |date=10 March 2021}} As of 2021, R1,000 to R5,000 was charged for a plot that lacks water tanks, electricity or any basic services,{{cite news |last1=Mpofu |first1=Roland |last2=Ncwane |first2=Nokwanda |title=Beware of syndicates selling vacant plots illegally, warns MMC |url= https://www.iol.co.za/sundayindependent/news/beware-of-syndicates-selling-vacant-plots-illegally-warns-mmc-27c1b634-3618-4201-b365-f30f74b31a62 |access-date=26 February 2021 |work=Sunday Independent |location=South Africa |date=21 February 2021}} but the price rises to R120,000 if the scam is profitable. When the government acquires residential land the process may be hijacked by corrupt officials. Likewise individuals who successfully approached the DALRRD for access to agricultural land have found that they are harassed and face eviction from their farms when refusing to pay bribes to corrupt officials.{{cite web |last1=Steyn |first1=Annette |title=South Africa: DA Calls for SIU Probe After Emerging Black Farmers Blow the Lid On Corrupt Land Reform Practices |url= https://allafrica.com/stories/202010120768.html |website=allafrica.com |date=12 October 2020 |publisher=Democratic Alliance (Cape Town) |access-date=19 October 2020}}

Communities on the verges of expanding open-cast mines have found that they are subjected to intense intimidation when not willing to sell,{{cite news |title=A South African village, a murder and a coal mine |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55002728 | date=24 November 2020 | access-date=24 November 2020 |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC}}{{cite news |last1=Bega |first1=Sheree |title=Mining activists in SA face death threats, intimidation and harassment – report |url=https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/mining-activists-in-sa-face-death-threats-intimidation-and-harassment-report-21620586 |access-date=24 November 2020 |agency=Sunday Star |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=19 April 2019}}{{cite web |title=South Africa: Activists in Mining Areas Harassed: Government, Companies Should Protect Environment Defenders |url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/04/16/south-africa-activists-mining-areas-harassed |publisher=Human Rights Watch |access-date=24 November 2020 |date=16 April 2019}} and coastal communities likewise contend that they are forcibly deprived of their customary access to coastal and oceanic resources by political and corporate agents.{{cite news |last1=McGarry |first1=Dylan |last2=Pereira |first2=Taryn |title=The true custodians of our seas: Who is stealing South Africa's ocean heritage? |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-09-29-the-true-custodians-of-our-seas-who-is-stealing-south-africas-ocean-heritage/ |access-date=29 September 2021 |work=Our Burning Planet |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=29 September 2021}} In 2015 the government implemented additional protective measures relating to RDP properties, after many scams relating to transactions in RDP plots and houses came to light.{{cite news |last1=Madalane |first1=Tebogo |title=Housing Fraud Trend On The Increase |url=https://solomonstar.live/housing-fraud-trend-on-the-increase/ |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=SolomonStar |publisher=solomonstar.live |date=4 July 2019 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |title=State land fraud kingpin guilty |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/state-land-fraud-kingpin-guilty-1735627 |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=SAPA |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=14 August 2014}} Swindlers posing as department or municipal officials have also sold state, municipal or private land.{{cite web |last1=Hartdegen |first1=Paddy |title=Stealing property is still theft! |url= https://www.property24.com/articles/stealing-property-is-still-theft!/11584 |website=property24.com |publisher=property24 |access-date=22 August 2020 |date=10 May 2010}}{{cite news |last1=Somduth |first1=Charlene |title=Bogus property developers scam people out of millions |url=https://www.iol.co.za/mercury/news/bogus-property-developers-scam-people-out-of-millions-19984857 |access-date=20 April 2021 |agency=Mercury |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=20 March 2019}} The courts have repeatedly upheld an interdict brought by AfriForum against the EFF for inciting land occupation.{{cite news |last1=du Plessis |first1=Christiaan |title=Malema kry 5de loesing in hof oor grondbesetting |agency=Beeld |date=22 June 2023 |page=2}} Victims of invasions (as opposed to trespassing) have recourse to the court for an eviction order in terms of the Prevention of Illegal Eviction From and Unlawful Occupation of Land Act, 1998 (Act 19 of 1998).{{cite web |title=Respond to land invasion |url=https://www.gov.za/services/place-live/how-respond-land-invasion |website=South African Government |access-date=19 October 2020}} A land court is envisaged.{{cite news |last1=Maqhina |first1=Mayibongwe |title=South Africa to form first land court | url = https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/south-africa-to-form-first-land-court-56a823b8-a4d9-40e9-9554-ce02d8f8f0a0 | date = 1 March 2021 |access-date=1 March 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa}}

City buildings and suburban houses are regularly hijacked by syndicates who collect rent from immigrants and the homeless,{{cite news |last1=Otto |first1=Hanti |title=Staat wil geboue nou terugvat: Sowat 1260 van sy eiendomme in visier |work=Brand in Johannesburg |agency=Beeld |publisher=Netwerk24 |date=4 September 2023}} and these become dens for additional criminal activities.{{cite web |last1=Koekemoer |first1=Emi (DA ward councillor) |title=The state of hijacked and abandoned buildings in Randburg |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Nnikr8X_JA |website=TimesLive Video |date=10 September 2023 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=16 September 2023 |ref=11 September 2023}} In Johannesburg alone, the JMPD unit has made thousands of arrests and had returned 73 buildings to their rightful owners by 2018,{{cite news |last1=Mahlati |first1=Zintle |title=DA-led governments pass over R100 billion in pro-poor budgets - Maimane |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/politics/da-led-governments-pass-over-r100-billion-in-pro-poor-budgets-maimane/ar-BBLreGx?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=3 August 2018 |agency=IOL |publisher=MSN |date=3 August 2018}} while by 2023 another 100 or so hijacked buildings remained in the city.{{cite news |title=Johannesburg collapses under crime, corruption, and chaos |url=https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/29780/johannesburg-collapses-under-crime-corruption-and-chaos/ |access-date=4 September 2023 |agency=Daily Investor |publisher=dailyinvestor.com |date=2 September 2023}} After a 2023 fire in a hijacked government building, it was revealed that 1,260 government buildings were known to be illegally occupied, while the asset registers of metros and municipalities would likely reveal more. Sihle Zikalala was tasked with a review of the government's 29,000 buildings.

The economy of post-apartheid South Africa retains a colonial or apartheid structure where a few private and public companies dominate key sectors, a situation that has been condoned and perpetuated by political connections.{{cite news |last1=Hadebe |first1=Siyabonga |title=SA economy exists under the shadow of monopolies |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/opinion/sa-economy-exists-under-the-shadow-of-monopolies-40478331 |access-date=23 July 2021 |work=Business Report: Opinion |agency=IOL |location=South Africa |date=13 January 2020}} Worldwide, anti-competitive structures and practices are increasingly seen as criminal,{{cite web |last1=Coleman |first1=Martin |last2=McHugh |first2=Nick |last3=Irvine |first3=Heather |last4=Gascon |first4=Denis |last5=Kruse |first5=Layne E. |title="It's criminal!" The criminalization of antitrust continues across the world |url=https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=4ec996cd-ca8f-47ff-b80f-2c0b4539cc53 |website=Lexology |date=20 January 2014 |publisher=Norton Rose Fulbright |access-date=23 July 2021 |ref=2014}} and South Africa has made limited progress in dismantling them.{{cite news |last1=Mahlaka |first1=Ray |title=Monopoly-busting: The fall of exclusive lease agreements in South Africa's retail industry |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-06-14-monopoly-busting-the-fall-of-exclusive-lease-agreements-in-south-africas-retail-industry/ |access-date=23 July 2021 |work=Business Maverick |date=14 June 2021}} The tobacco industry in particular has been accused of undue influence with government and interference with policy.{{cite news |last1=Snyckers |first1=Telita |title=BAT's UK headquarters oversaw and financed a South African corporate spy ring |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-10-01-bats-uk-headquarters-oversaw-and-financed-a-south-african-corporate-spy-ring/ |access-date=2 October 2021 |work=Defend Truth: OCCRP Investigation |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=1 October 2021}} A 2021 report highlighted alleged bribery, illegal surveillance and illegal access to classified information and called for investigations.{{cite news |last1=Fokazi |first1=Sipokazi |title=Tobacco industry's interference unstoppable as officials sleep on the job, a new report claims |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2021-09-28-tobacco-industrys-interference-unstoppable-as-officials-sleep-on-the-job-a-new-report-claims/ |access-date=28 September 2021 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=28 September 2021}} Company bosses function under high pressure from political expectations and may be required to submit to unethical or criminal demands.{{cite news |last1=Neethling |first1=Bianke |last2=Moeng |first2=Solly |title=Executive exodus at JSE-listed companies |url=https://dailyinvestor.com/business/31352/executive-exodus-at-jse-listed-companies/ |access-date=16 September 2023 |work=Business |agency=Daily Investor |publisher=dailyinvestor.com |date=16 September 2023}}

Mines faced with the financial obligations of creditors, worker benefits and environmental rehabilitation may enter business rescue and liquidation.{{cite web |last1=Olalde |first1=Mark |last2=Matikinca |first2=Andiswa |title=Directors targeted for Mintails mess |url=https://oxpeckers.org/2018/12/mintails-directors-targeted/ |website=oxpeckers.org |publisher=Oxpeckers Investigative Environmental Journalism | date = December 2018 |access-date=8 April 2019}} Rogue liquidators then collude with the company managers to strip the mine's assets, whereby most financial obligations are bypassed. The Master's office in Pretoria has been compromised in attempts to remove liquidators who fulfilled their role as watchdog.{{cite news |last1=Mkentane |first1=Luyolo |title=Net closes on group of 'rogue' liquidators |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/net-closes-on-group-of-rogue-liquidators/ar-BBVIpf5?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=8 April 2019 |work=Business Times |publisher=MSN |date=8 April 2019}}

Although billions in pension benefits remain unclaimed, independent agents that promise to trace these benefits and surpluses have been closed after they were found to be scamming the public.{{cite news |last1=Burdett |first1=Sally |title=Billions unclaimed from pension funds |url=https://www.enca.com/news/billions-unclaimed-pension-funds |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=15 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Theunissen |first1=Garth |title=Millions in SA are owed R42bn in unclaimed pensions. How to confirm if you're one of them |url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/how-to-get-unclaimed-pension-benefit-savings-2020-10 |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Business Insider SA |publisher=businessinsider.co.za |date=13 October 2020}}{{cite news |title=Bogus pension fund windfalls and cheap house sales — don't fall for it! |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-10-29-bogus-pension-fund-windfalls-and-cheap-house-sales-dont-fall-for-it/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=29 October 2020}} Pensioners may also receive communications from supposed pension fund employees, which claim that their annual increases have been incorrectly calculated. They are instructed to pay back the supposed surpluses, failing which they are threatened with deductions from future payouts. Such schemes may be orchestrated by corrupt employees of the pension fund, or may be a fraudulent scam run by third parties.{{cite web |title=Even pensions can be scammed |url= https://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/even-pensions-can-be-scammed/ |website=Corruption Watch |publisher=corruptionwatch.org.za |access-date=7 September 2020 |date=12 October 2015}} Social security cards may be stolen and offered for sale,{{cite news |last1=Marriah-Maharaj |first1=Jolene |title=LOOK: KZN police seize 52 Sassa cards, 132 IDs and an AK47 rifle from safe in home |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/look-kzn-police-seize-52-sassa-cards-132-ids-and-an-ak47-rifle-from-safe-in-home-1d1a4eb2-6316-4426-951d-3183bc195759 |access-date=9 April 2021 |agency=DailyNews, IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=8 April 2021}} or non-existing services may be offered to facilitate grants. SASSA confirmed that their services are always free,{{cite news |last1=Kahla |first1=Cheryl |title=SASSA fraud: 33 pension beneficiaries arrested in Free State |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/sassa-fraud-pension-beneficiaries-arrested-free-state/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=5 May 2019}}{{cite news |title=SASSA clamps down on illegal sale of social grant cards |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/sassa-clamps-down-illegal-sale-social-grant-cards/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=15 January 2019}} and warned against scammers posing as their employees.{{cite news |last1=Kahla |first1=Cheryl |title=Sassa scam: Pensioners targetted by 'fake employees' |url= https://www.citizen.co.za/news/3054861/sassa-scam-pensioners-march-2022/ |access-date=25 March 2022 |agency=The Citizen |publisher= citizen.co.za |date=22 March 2022}} Cash grants{{cite news |last1=Govender |first1=Suthentira |title=Elderly KZN woman killed for her pension by 'young man who knew her' |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-05-12-elderly-kzn-woman-killed-for-her-pension-by-young-man-who-knew-her/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=12 May 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Nyoka |first1=Nation |title=Woman gets 20 years in jail for killing husband over pension money |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/woman-gets-20-years-in-jail-for-killing-husband-over-pension-money-20171004 |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=4 October 2017}}{{cite news |last1= Cloete |first1=Salette |title=Thousands stolen from beneficiaries |url= https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/General/thousands-stolen-from-beneficiaries-202010140421 |access-date=23 April 2021 |work= George Herald |publisher=georgeherald.com |date=15 October 2020}}{{cite news |title=R1.7 million pension stolen, suspect arrested in Camperdown |url=https://highwaymail.co.za/418706/r1-7-million-pension-stolen-suspect-arrested-in-camperdown/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=Highway Mail |publisher=highwaymail.co.za |date=7 September 2020}} and pension pay points are also targeted by criminals.{{cite news |title=Pensioner killed as robbers hit pension point in Diepkloof |url= https://www.enca.com/south-africa/pensioner-killed-as-robbers-hit-pension-point-in-diepkloof |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=eNCA |publisher= enca.com |date=3 May 2016}}{{cite news |last1=IOL Reporter |title=Armed gang, dressed in PPE gear, rob Pietermaritzburg pension pay point |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/armed-gang-dressed-in-ppe-gear-rob-pietermaritzburg-pension-pay-point-48911441 |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=3 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Nair |first1=Nivashni |title=Armed robbers stop pension payouts at Checkers in Scottsville Mall |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-03-armed-robbers-stop-pension-payouts-at-checkers-in-scottsville-mall/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=3 June 2020}}

In 2007 it emerged that the CEO of Fidentia, J. Arthur Brown, squandered R1.3 billion of pension benefits, leaving 47,000 beneficiaries, mostly mine workers and their families, destitute.{{cite news|title=At least R255m in mine workers' cash lost in Amplats pension scam |url=https://mg.co.za/article/2017-04-30-at-least-r255m-in-mine-workers-cash-lost-in-amplats-pension-scam/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=Mail&Guardian |work=Mail & Guardian |date=30 April 2017}} In 2011, 20,000 clothing workers lost their pension money after highly paid consultants secured a loan for Canyon Springs, a repurposed shell company. Canyon Springs immediately distributed the money to its consultants and subsidiaries, which included a struggling property firm.{{cite news |title=Godongwana pension scam — more dirt |url= https://mg.co.za/article/2011-10-14-godongwana-pension-scam-more-dirt/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=Mail&Guardian |work= Mail & Guardian |date=14 October 2011}} Sactwu had to fund the inquiry into a missing R100 million,{{cite news |title=Kawie faces arrest in missing pension money case |url= https://mg.co.za/article/2011-11-26-former-unionist-richard-kawie-faces-arrest/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=Mail&Guardian |work= Mail & Guardian |date=26 November 2011}} while the prospects of recouping the R260 million property investment seemed slim. In April 2017 it was revealed that the Bophelo Beneficiary Fund (BBF), effectively managed by the illegal Zimbabwean immigrant Bongani Mhlanga, likely lost all the funds it held on behalf of Amplats GPF and 7,229 beneficiaries. The fund's holding company, Mvunonala Group, immediately contested this assertion in a press release,{{cite web |last1=Dlamini |first1=Sipho |last2=Moyo |first2=Precious |last3= Mhlongo |first3=Guqani |last4=Madlebe |first4=Zukiswa |title=Press Statement: City Press Article |url= http://www.psspfund.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mvunonala-Holdings-Press-Statement.pdf |website=psspfund.co.za |publisher=Mvunonala Holdings |access-date=12 September 2020 |date=30 April 2017}} claiming all funds were accounted for. Follow-up investigations however revealed that R500 million,{{cite news |last1=Masondo |first1=Sipho |title=R500m taken from the poorest |url= https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/r500m-taken-from-the-poorest-20190604 |access-date=12 September 2020 |agency=City Press|location=South Africa |publisher= news24.com |date=4 June 2019}} or double the amount initially suspected, was indeed squandered and Mvunonala, which had its sights on additional Amplats pensions,{{cite news |last1=Masondo |first1=Sipho |title=Controversial fund hit with pull-outs |url= https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/citypress/20170528/281977492572290 |access-date=12 September 2020 |agency=City Press|location=South Africa |via=PressReader |date=28 May 2017}} was liquidated. The 2017 collapse of Steinhoff due to financial impropriety once again had a ruinous impact on several South African pension funds.{{cite news |last1=Mugabi |first1=Isaac |last2=Drechsler |first2=Wolfgang |title=South African pension fund scandal: 'The damage will be immense' |url=https://www.dw.com/en/south-african-pension-fund-scandal-the-damage-will-be-immense/a-42388940 |access-date=20 November 2020 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=31 January 2018}} The government's employee fund lost some R20 billion.{{cite news |last1=Mchunu |first1=Sandile |title=Steinhoff scandal cost Government Employees Fund R20bn |url=https://www.iol.co.za/business-report/companies/steinhoff-scandal-cost-government-employees-fund-r20bn-13041991 |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=1 February 2018}} When the FSCA intervenes by placing poorly run pension funds under curatorship, it results in exorbitant management fees.{{cite news |last1=Talevi |first1=Giulietta |title=Security sector provident fund defends trustees' 'exorbitant' fees |url=https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/2018-06-12-security-sector-provident-fund-defends-trustees--exorbitant-fees/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=Business Day|location=South Africa |publisher=businesslive.co.za |date=12 June 2018}}

Advance fee fraud (419) scammers based in South Africa have reportedly conned people from various parts of the world out of millions of rands,{{cite web|author=Independent Newspapers Online |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=15&art_id=ct2004030710560989S52026&set_id=1 |title=419 fraud schemes net R100m in SA |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=7 March 2004 |access-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080406022851/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?click_id=15&art_id=ct2004030710560989S52026&set_id=1 |archive-date= 6 April 2008 }} and South African police sources stated that Nigerians living in Johannesburg suburbs operate such schemes."[https://web.archive.org/web/20041101085748/http://www.namibian.com.na/2004/may/national/043CA33F7E.html Rip-off artists exploit land reform]", The Namibian In 2002, the South African Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, wanted to establish a call centre for the public to check reputations of businesses due to proliferation of scams such as advance fee fraud, pyramid schemes and fly-by-night operators."[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/21210657.cms How to impersonate a central bank via email] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090103031832/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/21210657.cms |date=3 January 2009 }}," Times of India In response, the SAPS established a project which identified 419 scams and closed their websites and bank accounts where possible.{{cite web |url=http://www.saps.gov.za/crime_prevention/commercial_crime/419_scams/project.htm |title= Crime Prevention – 419 Scams |publisher=Saps.gov.za |access-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110713031311/http://www.saps.gov.za/crime_prevention/commercial_crime/419_scams/project.htm |archive-date= 13 July 2011 }} Pyramid schemes sometimes masquerade as legitimate stokvel saving schemes, and lure promotors via social media or WhatsApp by promising high interest rates and performance incentives.{{cite news |last1=Heyns |first1=Tania |title=Up Money tot piramideskema verklaar, beboet |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/up-money-tot-piramideskema-verklaar-beboet/ |access-date=10 May 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=29 March 2021}} A steady release of "relief funds" is promised when liquidation looms, to rally stricken investors to their cause.{{cite news |last1=Opperman |first1=Ina |title=R4 billion Coin-it get-rich-quick scheme ends in tears, suicides |url=https://citizen.co.za/business/business-news/2498341/r4-billion-coin-it-get-rich-quick-scheme-ends-in-tears-suicides/ |access-date=28 May 2021 |work=The Citizen |location=South Africa |date=25 May 2021}} Catfishing is said to net perpetrators about R130 million annually, and their carefully selected victims are usually middle-aged{{cite news |last1=Gittins |first1=Megan |title=Bedrieglike aanlyn verhoudings kos SA'ners duisende |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/bedrieglike-aanlyn-verhoudings-kos-saners-duisende/ |access-date=15 September 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=12 September 2020}} or elderly.{{cite web |title=Love scam – Eight con suspects appear in court |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztk3TMbolQo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/ztk3TMbolQo |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|website=eNCA on DStv403, YouTube |access-date=4 November 2021 |date=20 October 2021}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news |last1=Ludidi |first1=Velani |title=Private investigator shares how romance scams work |url= https://www.iol.co.za/weekend-argus/news/private-investigator-shares-how-romance-scams-work-4c8ce629-ac11-491a-b6ed-5452f45e9516 |access-date=5 November 2021 |agency=Weekend Argus |publisher=iol.co.za |date=20 October 2021}}

People desperate for employment may fall prey to fake recruitment agencies that levy illegal charges,{{cite news |title=How to spot a job scam |url=https://rekordeast.co.za/255966/how-to-spot-a-job-scam/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Pretoria Rekord |publisher=rekordeast.co.za |date=18 September 2019}} and fraudsters posing as potential employers advertise jobs on social media or career websites, and demand upfront payment for supposed administration fees, accommodation deposits or police clearance checks.{{cite news |last1=Mokoena |first1=Vusi |last2=Steyn |first2=Daniel |title=Desperate job-seekers are falling victim to fake employment offers |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-02-16-desperate-job-seekers-are-falling-victim-to-fake-employment-offers/ |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=Groundup |date=16 February 2021}} The applicants' money may also be stolen from their airtime accounts when they follow SMS instructions. Illegal mining syndicates lure and traffic illegal immigrants by promising employment in mines. The victims end up being exploited by their recruiters,{{cite news |last1=Tlou |first1=Gift |title=Hawks intensifies fight against foreigners involved in illegal mining |url=https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/hawks-intensifies-fight-against-foreigners-involved-in-illegal-mining-ff3e4efc-459d-4439-bcfd-ed9d310d44cf |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=The Star |location=South Africa |date=21 December 2020}} may be killed in clashes between rival gangs,{{cite news |last1=Mahlati |first1=Zintle |title=Five illegal miners found dead: Five bodies, suspected to be those of illegal miners, were found in an old mine shaft close to New Modder Road this morning |url=https://benonicitytimes.co.za/209769/five-miners-fund-dead/ |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=Benoni City Times |publisher=benonicitytimes.co.za |date=1 April 2015}}{{cite news |title=South Africa: Search for killers of miners 'stoned to death' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-51341567 |access-date=25 February 2021 |publisher=BBC |date=1 February 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Monama |first1=Tebogo |title=One killed as illegal miners fight over ill-gotten gains |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/one-killed-as-illegal-miners-fight-over-ill-gotten-gains-15083843 |access-date=25 February 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa|date=21 May 2018}} or may die in shaft collapses or other accidents.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1= Jenni |title=Three men killed in suspected illegal mining shaft collapse |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/three-men-killed-in-suspected-illegal-mining-shaft-collapse-20200915 |access-date=25 February 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=15 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=HT Correspondent |first1=AFP, Johannesburg |title=36 miners killed in SAfrican fire |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/world/36-miners-killed-in-safrican-fire/story-gVuDhBhinQox2bfqYfUcvL.html |access-date=25 February 2021 |work=World News |date=2 June 2009}}

Fake professionals render valueless services to the public or con them out of their livelihoods. Fake tax practitioners or tax experts make promises that they can secure refunds from SARS, or offer to assist with PAYE submissions. Some of the refunds are illegal and are pocketed by the syndicates.{{cite news |title=Taxpayers must not be duped by criminals |url= https://www.oudtshoorncourant.com/News/Article/National/taxpayers-must-not-be-duped-by-criminals-202012071045 |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Oudtshoorn Courant |publisher=oudtshoorncourant.com |date=7 December 2020}} Fake school, tertiary or other certificates are a fairly widespread phenomenon and are easy to come by,{{cite news |last1=Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title= Nigerian national gets 6-year prison term for making and selling fake tertiary certificates |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/mpumalanga/nigerian-national-gets-6-year-prison-term-for-making-and-selling-fake-tertiary-certificates-5d42abd2-7d0e-487c-9c1c-e61e1bc2b2c2 |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=21 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title=Undocumented foreigners arrested for allegedly creating fake matric, marriage and university certificates |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/undocumented-foreigners-arrested-for-allegedly-creating-fake-matric-marriage-and-university-certificates-07ac289f-13cc-4dcd-aa12-c7d4a1a05b75 |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency= IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=16 October 2020}} and fake teachers,{{cite news |last1=Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title=Two bogus teachers lose R1.2m pension after using fake documents to get jobs |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/two-bogus-teachers-lose-r12m-pension-after-using-fake-documents-to-get-jobs-85d80af3-a1ee-41b2-9ccc-d077169af29f |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=3 December 2020}} medical practitioners and interns,{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Dan |title=Bogus doctors arrested in EC, R700 000 worth of medicine seized |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/bogus-doctors-arrested-eastern-cape-saps-friday-22-January-2021/ |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=22 January 2021}}{{cite news |last1=IOL reporter |title=Woman arrested for operating fake medical practices in Springs |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/woman-arrested-for-operating-fake-medical-practices-in-springs-5f7d4918-6d51-4123-a4ce-7f0c22780148 |access-date=23 September 2021 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=2 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Masuku |first1=Sne |title=Another bogus doctor in court for working in KZN hospitals |url= https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/another-bogus-doctor-in-court-for-working-in-kzn-hospitals-2c6eca99-62ec-4f48-8208-fba7a6d7d945 |access-date=23 September 2021 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=2 September 2020}} advocates,{{cite news |last1= Meyer |first1=Dan |title=Bogus Free State attorney convicted of fraud, jailed for 10 years |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/free-state-fake-attorney-sentenced-mabesa-bloemfontein-hawks/ |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=4 February 2021}}{{cite news | title=How Carte Blanche unmasked fake advocate |url= https://www.southafricanlawyer.co.za/article/2020/11/how-carte-blanche-unmasked-fake-advocate/ |access-date=12 July 2021 |work=Criminal Law, General Legal Practice |publisher=southafricanlawyer.co.za |date=10 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=van Niekerk |first1=Liezl |title=Man verloor R500 000 |url= https://www.oudtshoorncourant.com/News/Article/General/man-verloor-r500-000-202012170909 |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=Oudtshoorn Courant |publisher=oudtshoorncourant.com |date=17 December 2020}} military veterans,{{cite news |last1=Mahlati |first1=Zintle |title=Bogus MK veterans, who were just 5 years old during apartheid, smoked out as verification kicks into gear |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/bogus-mk-veterans-who-were-just-5-years-old-during-apartheid-smoked-out-as-verification-kicks-into-gear-20220317 |access-date=19 March 2022 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=17 March 2022}} top parastatal employees, an ambassador, government minister{{cite news |last1=Spector |first1=J. Brooks |title= Credentials, power and authority: Why officials are tempted to make false qualification claims |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-05-10-credentials-power-and-authority-why-officials-are-tempted-to-make-false-qualification-claims/ |access-date=11 May 2021 |work=A matter of degree |date=10 May 2021}} and church minister{{cite news |last1=Son verslaggewer |title='Vals profeet' vas vir bedrog |url=https://www.son.co.za/dieson/nuus/ooskaap/vals-profeet-vas-vir-bedrog-20220507 |access-date=10 May 2022 |agency=Son |publisher=son.co.za |date=7 May 2022}} have been exposed after their qualifications were scrutinized.{{cite news |last1=Ronnie |first1=Linda |last2=Goodman |first2=Suki |title=Tackling the fake qualifications threat | agency = University of Cape Town News |url=http://www.news.uct.ac.za/features/teachingandlearning/-article/2019-02-06-tackling-the-fake-qualifications-threat |publisher = news.uct.ac.za |access-date = 19 May 2021 |date=6 February 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mlambo |first1=Sihle |title= Sassa official who allegedly used fake matric documents to secure admin job charged with R4m fraud |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/mpumalanga/sassa-official-who-allegedly-used-fake-matric-documents-to-secure-admin-job-charged-with-r4m-fraud-7483ac84-6543-41e0-9c4e-ef19bfabe1d9 |access-date=23 September 2021 |work=Mpumalanga |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=2 March 2021}} Unregistered surgeons that perform circumcisions in initiation ceremonies have caused the deaths of many.{{cite news |last1=Feni |first1=Lulamile |title=Second illegal initiate dies in Eastern Cape |url= https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/2020-12-10-second-illegal-initiate-dies-in-eastern-cape/ |access-date=11 December 2020 |agency= DispatchLive |publisher=dispatchlive.co.za |date=20 December 2020}} SAQA reported a sharp increase in fake credentials between 2011 and 2018, besides many forged SAQA certificates of evaluation.{{cite news |last1=Maqhina |first1=Mayibongwe |title=Shock increase in fake credentials |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/shock-increase-in-fake-credentials-18264458 |access-date=19 May 2021 |work=Political Bureau |agency=IOL |location=South Africa |date=26 November 2018}}

Well-placed persons are also able to manipulate payrolls to commit identity fraud, which enables them to collect double salaries{{cite news |last1=Strydom |first1=Nico |title=Amptenaar betaal haarself glo lank tweede salaris |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/amptenaar-betaal-haarself-glo-lank-tweede-salaris/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=24 October 2020}} or pay salaries to ghost workers.{{cite news |last1=Alberts |first1=Derek |title=Pietermaritzburg: The bad municipality malaise |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-03-13-pietermaritzburg-the-bad-municipality-malaise/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |work= Daily Maverick |date=13 March 2021}} Late 2021, state-owned Prasa uncovered a scam involving 3,000 ghost workers.{{cite news |last1=Cotterell |first1=Gareth |title='Grand scam': Prasa was paying 3,000 ghost workers full salaries, says Mbalula |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/3055305/prasa-paying-3000-ghost-workers-full-salaries-22-march-2022/ |access-date=25 March 2022 |agency=The Citizen |publisher=citizen.co.za}} Identity fraudsters in combination with poorly vetted bank or other service provider employees also place clients' PIN numbers at risk.{{cite news |last1=le Roux |first1=Kabous |title= Banks unwittingly employ criminals in rush to meet BEE targets - David Klatzow |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/409217/banks-unwittingly-employ-criminals-in-rush-to-meet-bee-targets-david-klatzow-forensic-investigator |access-date=24 February 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |issue=Business Opinion: SIM card swop scam |publisher= capetalk.co.za |date=19 February 2021}}

South Africa's municipalities often employ unqualified personnel{{cite news |title=Auditor-General gets more teeth |url=https://www.enca.com/news/auditor-general-gets-more-teeth |access-date=28 June 2019 |agency=eNCA |date=22 November 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Joubert |first1=Jan-Jan |title=Geen ANC-plan vir verpligte kwalifikasies in munisipaliteite |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/geen-anc-plan-vir-verpligte-kwalifikasies-in-munisipaliteite/ |access-date=9 May 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=3 April 2021}} who are unable to deliver proper financial and performance governance. This leads to fraud, irregular expenditure (R30 billion in 2017, and R25 billion in 2018) and consequence-free misconduct. Only a fraction (14% in 2017, 8% in 2018) of municipalities submit clean annual audits to the Auditor-General, and implementation of the AG's recommendations has been lax. By 2018, 45% of municipalities had not implemented all procedures for reporting and investigating transgressions or fraud, while 74% were found to insufficiently follow up on such allegations.{{cite news |title=Municipalities are disregarding advice: Makwetu |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/municipalities-are-disregarding-advice-makwetu/ar-AADs5Px?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=28 June 2019 |agency=eNCA |date=27 June 2019}} Tender panels, forums to which the tender process is outsourced, have been highlighted as sources of apparent favouritism and corruption.{{cite news |last1=Reddy |first1=Micah |last2=Brümmer |first2=Stefaans |title=Millions out, billions in Part II: Company paid millions to ANC, and Malema scored big in Ekurhuleni |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/millions-out-billions-in-part-ii-company-paid-millions-to-anc-and-malema-scored-big-in-ekurhuleni-20210504 |access-date=4 May 2021 |agency=amaBhungane |publisher=news24.com |date=4 May 2021}} The late Kimi Makwetu suggested holding employees individually accountable, treating recommendations as binding and issuing a certificate of debt to guilty parties. Government departments{{cite news |title=Government wasteful expenditure skyrockets |url=https://www.enca.com/news/government-wasteful-expenditure-skyrockets |access-date=28 June 2019 |agency=eNCA |date=21 November 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Dan |title=Below par: 35% of government managers 'lack requisite qualifications' |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/government-senior-managers-lack-qualifications-da-scopa-investigation-anc-monday-12-april/ |access-date=22 April 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=12 April 2021}} and large parastatals generally mirror these problems.

In tackling state service corruption, the number of public servants that do business with the state has been whittled from 8,500 to 118 people between 2017 and 2021. In 2021 an ethics unit was established by government to identify corruption and take preventative measures. Its mandate includes the setting of frameworks for disciplinary hearings, lifestyle audits and whistleblowing.

Corruption flourished in South Africa's large parastatals during its state capture saga which lasted from 2011/12 to 2017. In the wake of the fallout, the SA government vowed in 2020 to end political interference in the functioning of state-owned entities.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Gaye |title=We want to avoid political meddling in running of parastatals – Mabuza |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/23/we-want-to-avoid-political-meddling-in-running-of-parastatals-mabuza |access-date=24 October 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=24 October 2020}} At Transnet, Eskom and Denel{{cite news |last1=Ngatane |first1=Nthakoana |title=Ex-Denel exec Mlambo 'didn't understand' how Gupta company was awarded contract |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/ex-denel-exec-mlambo-didn-t-understand-how-gupta-company-was-awarded-contract/ar-BB1at6UU?li=BBqfWMJ |access-date=29 October 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=MSN |date=28 May 2017}} in particular, state funds were misappropriated in instances of collusion with certain contractors and suppliers. The resulting losses which amounted to billions of rand were facilitated by dishonest and grossly negligent financial management.{{cite news |title= The former finance boss of Eskom, Transnet – a Gupta ally – cost SA billions. What we now know |url= https://www.businessinsider.co.za/anoj-singh-corruption-2020-8 |access-date=5 September 2020 |agency=Business Insider SA |publisher= businessinsider.co.za |date=21 August 2020}} In addition the managers of Transnet's pension fund profited to the order of R500 million by using close government ties to leverage their own position against that of the fund,{{cite web |last1=Sharife |first1=Khadija |last2=Anderson |first2=Mark |title=South African Investment Firm Looted Pension Fund With Insider Information |url= https://www.occrp.org/en/investigations/south-african-investment-firm-looted-pension-fund-with-insider-information |website=OCCRP |publisher=occrp.com |date = 8 May 2019 |access-date=7 September 2020}} while a top manager enriched himself through an inappropriate deal with a consulting firm.{{cite news |last1=van der Merwe |first1=Anja |title=Voormalige transnet hoë [Herbert Msagala] moet miljoene terugbetaal |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/voormalige-transnet-hoe-moet-miljoene-terugbetaal/ |access-date=3 February 2022 |agency=Maroela Media |date=1 September 2021}}{{cite news |last1= Sidimba |first1=Loyiso |title=Ex-Transnet boss [Msagala] must pay back R26m used to buy six properties, 36 cars |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/ex-transnet-boss-must-pay-back-r26m-used-to-buy-six-properties-36-cars-e8e072bf-44c7-4f74-83ea-e40f59f4d3db |access-date=3 February 2022 |work=Politics |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=1 September 2021}} State capture had a debilitating effect on Denel which compromised the country's defence capability{{cite news |last1=Cornelissen |first1=Christel |title=Net een uit vier lugmagvliegtuie 'diensbaar' |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/net-een-uit-vier-lugmagvliegtuie-diensbaar/ |access-date=18 February 2022 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroela.co.za |date=18 February 2022}} and derailed multibillion-rand projects.{{cite news |last1=Staff writer |title=Only a fraction of South Africa's airforce is operational right now |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/government/559636/only-a-fraction-of-south-africas-airforce-is-operational-right-now/ |access-date=20 February 2022 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=17 February 2022}}

In 2020 the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) referred 5,452 Eskom staff members, or over 10% of its workforce, for disciplinary proceedings due to conflict of interest or after they were exposed in lifestyle audits.{{cite web |title=The rot at Eskom: 10%+ of staff failed to declare financial interests says SIU |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/the-rot-at-eskom-10-of-staff-failed-to-declare-financial-interests-says-siu/ar-BB1a4fV2?ocid=msedgntp |publisher=MSN |access-date=19 October 2020 |date=16 October 2020}} The employees failed to declare financial interests and engaged in dodgy coal, diesel or building contracts with Eskom involving billions of rands. Proceedings to recover overpayments of R2.78 billion from three contractors received the go-ahead in 2020.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Gaye |title=SIU identifies 5,523 Eskom officials for disciplinary action in graft probes |url= https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/14/siu-identifies-5-523-eskom-officials-for-disciplinary-action-in-corruption-probe |access-date=19 October 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=14 October 2020}} Various well-connected persons, notably Eskom's CEO Brian Molefe, also participated unlawfully in Eskom Pension and Provident Fund (EPPF) membership or were given access to employment perks they were not entitled to.{{cite news |last1=Jooste |first1=Ruan |title=Brian Molefe's Eskom Retirement Fund saga is just the Tip of an Iceberg |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-02-06-brian-molefes-eskom-retirement-fund-saga-is-just-the-tip-of-an-iceberg/ |access-date=19 October 2020 |work=Business Maverick Exclusive |date=6 February 2020}} Trade union Solidarity warned that Eskom had been infiltrated by a corrupt internal network,{{cite news |last1=Krige |first1=Elaine |title=Weermag by Eskom, hoekom nou? |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/weermag-by-eskom-hoekom-nou/ |access-date=21 December 2022 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=18 December 2022}} and Eskom admitted as much in its 2022 annual report.{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Julia |title=A country 'ungovernable' — how Eskom plans to tackle the scourge of sabotage, fraud and corruption in 2023 |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-01-04-a-country-ungovernable-how-eskom-plans-to-tackle-the-scourge-of-sabotage-fraud-and-corruption-in-2023/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |work=Defend Truth |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=www.dailymaverick.co.za |date=4 January 2023}} In addition to internal malfeasance, external syndicates have defrauded Eskom,{{cite news |title=Eskom lost billions to electricity syndicate |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/86568/eskom-lost-billions-to-electricity-syndicate/ |access-date=24 October 2020 |work=BusinessTech |date=5 May 2015}}{{cite news |last=Persens |first=Lizell |title=Woman appears in court for defrauding Eskom of R300,000 |url= https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/24/woman-appears-in-court-for-defrauding-eskom-of-r300-00 |date=24 October 2020 |access-date=19 February 2025 |newspaper=Eyewitness News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230901202905/https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/24/woman-appears-in-court-for-defrauding-eskom-of-r300-00 |archive-date=1 September 2023 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |title=Eskom facing R2 billion fraud probe – report |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/471570/eskom-facing-r2-billion-fraud-probe-report/ |access-date=1 March 2021 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher= businesstech.co.za |date=28 February 2021}} profiting especially from Kusile{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Elvira |title=Skoor-voorlegging: Misbruik van vorms kos Eskom R9,7 mjd | agency=Sake-Beeld |publisher=Beeld |date=19 October 2020}} and Tutuka{{cite news |last1=Baloyi |first1=Thabo |title=Eskom: Two employees stole R100m worth of fuel oil PER MONTH |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/eskom-two-employees-stole-r100m-worth-of-fuel-oil-per-month/ |access-date=6 November 2021 |agency= The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=6 November 2021}} power stations. In December 2022 small contingents of soldiers were placed at Tutuka, Camden, Grootvlei and Majuba stations in a first deployment phase intended to discourage increasing vandalism, theft and corruption.{{cite news |last1=AFP |title=Weermag moet nou krag oppas |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/weermag-moet-nou-krag-oppas/ |access-date=21 December 2022 |work=SA-nuus |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=18 December 2022}}

The Auditor-General of South Africa, which employs 700 chartered accountants to audit state expenditure at all three levels of government, has revealed a surge in crimes against its employees, starting 2016. The crimes are tied to the detection of financial mismanagement and the annual release of municipal audit reports. During the countrywide audit of municipalities, their auditors have experienced hijackings, death threats, attempted murder, hostage-taking, threatening phone calls and damage to their vehicles.{{cite news |last1=Levy |first1=Moira |title=Mounting violent attacks on state auditors 'a crime against the state' |url= https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/mounting-violent-attacks-on-state-auditors-‘a-crime-against-the-state’/ar-BBQhadY?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=30 November 2018 |work=Daily Maverick |date=30 November 2018}} In 2018 South Africa incurred R80 billion in irregular expenditure due to outstanding audits and incomplete information,{{cite news |first1=Vusi |last1 = Bafetane| title=R80bn in irregular expenditure |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/r80bn-in-irregular-expenditure/ar-BBQpxyq?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=3 December 2018 |agency=eNCA |date=3 December 2018}}{{cite news |title=Irregular expenditure to the tune of billions of rand, continues to plague a public service |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVoLCCSEjFQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/RVoLCCSEjFQ |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=3 December 2018 |agency=eNCA |via=YouTube |date=3 December 2018}}{{cbignore}} and passing of municipal budgets may be subject to bribes.{{cite news |last1=le Roux |first1=Kabous |title=The City of Joburg may have turned a blind eye to EFF corruption - amaBhungane |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/politics/the-city-of-joburg-may-have-turned-a-blind-eye-to-eff-corruption-amabhungane/ar-BBQg9NN?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=3 December 2018 |agency=702 |publisher=msn money |date=30 November 2018}} The country's leadership was accused of disregarding the AG's recommendations in cases of wrongdoing.

Lawyers representing clients that make personal injury claims from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), have made excessive profits by overcharging them.{{cite news |last1=Mlamla |first1=Sisonke |title=Attorneys who defraud Road Accident Fund claimants 'must be rooted out' |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/attorneys-who-defraud-road-accident-fund-claimants-must-be-rooted-out-8c9600a9-9848-4d8b-98b0-163489510b0b |access-date=28 March 2021 |work=Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=25 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Francke |first1=Robin-Lee |title=Cape Town attorney gets 8 years jail time for theft |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/cape-town-attorney-gets-8-years-jail-time-for-theft-f38c0d36-0eeb-5af0-be41-5542fac34e5a |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=24 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Mabuza |first1=Ernest |title='Naked theft': Eastern Cape lawyer struck off roll for defrauding clients of millions |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-10-19-naked-theft-eastern-cape-lawyer-struck-off-roll-for-defrauding-clients-of-millions/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=19 October 2020}} Individuals in desperate need of a pay-out are conned by the enticing offer of "no win, no fee". In one prominent case the NPA's Asset Forfeiture Unit managed to obtain a court order in 2019 to seize and reclaim R101 million in assets from two lawyers.{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Rebecca |title=State set to claim R101-million from Bobroff lawyers |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/state-set-to-claim-r101-million-from-bobroff-lawyers/ar-AAGpVcn?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=3 September 2019 |work=Daily Maverick |publisher=MSN |date=28 August 2019}} Similar attempts to fleece millions from provincial health departments by submitting fake and fraudulent medical negligence claims have been thwarted.{{cite news |last1=Maughan |first1=Karyn |title=Meet SA's R1bn 'lawyer for the poor' |url= https://www.businesslive.co.za/fm/features/2020-08-13-meet-sas-r1bn-lawyer-for-the-poor/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=BL Premium |publisher=businesslive.co.za}}{{cite news |last1=Kahn |first1=Tamar |title=Court halts lawyer's allegedly fraudulent claims |url= https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/national/health/2019-06-27-court-halts-lawyers-allegedly-fraudulent-claims/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=BL Premium |publisher=businesslive.co.za |date=27 June 2019}} Lawyers acting as conveyancers have also colluded with politicians to defraud government in various land acquisition deals.{{cite news |last1=Bernice Maune |first1=Bernice Maune |title=Former minister of state security Bongani Bongo released on R10k bail for R124m land fraud |url=https://www.biznews.com/good-hope-project/2020/10/29/bongani-bongo-bail |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=BizNews |publisher=biznews.com |date=29 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=SAPeople Staff Writer |title=Ex-Security Minister Bongo Among 11 Arrested in R124 Million Land Fraud |url=https://www.sapeople.com/2020/10/27/ex-security-minister-bongo-among-11-arrested-in-r124-million-land-fraud/ |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=SA People News |publisher=sapeople.com |date=27 October 2020}} Lawyers that are experiencing tight cash flows, lure clients into property deals and back out unexpectedly, before refusing to refund the client.{{cite news |last1=Maromo |first1=Jonisayi |title=Attorney gets 10-year sentence for theft of trust funds |url=https://www.iol.co.za/pretoria-news/news/attorney-gets-10-year-sentence-for-theft-of-trust-funds-3ecfdd31-1f1e-445d-b2d8-776ad9216411 |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=Pretoria News |location=South Africa |date=9 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Nombembe |first1=Philani |title=Western Cape lawyer spared prison garb after pleading guilty to theft |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-05-western-cape-lawyer-spared-prison-garb-after-pleading-guilty-to-theft/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=5 December 2020}} A debarred lawyer can join one law firm after another and continue practicing in direct contravention of the Attorneys’ Act.{{cite news |title=Crooked attorney's bid to be reinstated fails |url=https://www.southafricanlawyer.co.za/article/2020/08/crooked-attorneys-bid-to-be-reinstated-fails/ |access-date=11 July 2021 |work=General Legal Practice, Ethics |agency=Daily News, Daily Dispatch |publisher= southafricanlawyer.co.za |date=7 August 2020}}{{cite news |title=Lawyer condemned by judges is still practising |url= https://www.southafricanlawyer.co.za/article/2021/05/lawyer-condemned-by-judges-is-still-practising/ |access-date=11 July 2021 |work= General Legal Practice |agency=Daily News, Daily Dispatch |publisher=southafricanlawyer.co.za |date=11 May 2021}}

The South African government's unemployment insurance fund supplies temporary relief to workers whose income is being affected by the national COVID-19 lockdown. When a worker finds new employment the reference number of the previous employer is used illegally to secure a surreptitious pay-out from the UIF COVID-19 fund.{{cite news |last1=ANA reporter |title=Pensioner arrested over alleged Covid-19 unemployment relief fraud |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/pensioner-arrested-over-alleged-covid-19-unemployment-relief-fraud-f1903ae9-a562-43e2-8fc4-2d7a36a72a6c |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=31 August 2020}} The bank account details of the receiving company may also be falsified.{{cite news |title=Pensioner arrested for R4.7m UIF-Ters 'fraud' |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-08-31-pensioner-arrested-for-r47m-uif-ters-fraud/ |access-date=7 September 2020 |agency=TimesLive |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=31 August 2020}} Among those who illegally claimed COVID-19 social grants were 16,000 government employees.{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1=Qama |title=New ethics unit for "rotten" public servants after grant corruption exposed |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/09/29/uwc-scientists-to-showcase-progress-made-in-fighting-covid |access-date=29 September 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=28 September 2021}}

COVID-19 emergency funds, supplied to South Africa by the IMF, have fallen prey to fraudsters when stringent tender procedures were not followed. Members of the SAPS were implicated in over R1 billion of irregular deposits of COVID-19 funds into private companies. Tenders worth over R2 billion for personal protective equipment (ppe), allocated by the Gauteng health department to 160 different companies, came under investigation by Gauteng's special investigation unit.{{cite news |title=COVID-19: Net closing in on those involved in tender, fraud irregularities |url= https://www.enca.com/news/covid-19-net-closing-those-involved-tender-fraud-irregularities |access-date=10 September 2020 |agency=eNCA |publisher=enca.com |date=9 August 2020}} An additional R30 million of illegal tenders in Kwazulu-Natal, besides tenders in the Eastern Cape, came under investigation and did not appear to comply with the national treasury's regulations on the emergency purchases of supplies and services.{{cite web |title='Covidpreneurs': ANC-kaders skep R2,2 miljard |url=http://praag.co.za/?p=47368 |website=Praag |publisher=praag.co.za |access-date=10 September 2020 |date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815193742/http://praag.co.za/?p=47368 |url-status=dead }}

Some of these companies were not in the healthcare business, or were formed in the wake of the pandemic to cash in on relief funds. Some of them spent only 5% of the funds on personal protective equipment, while 40% went to the directors. Water tank installations and decontamination procedures{{cite news |last1=Ndlovu |first1=Siyanda |title= SIU to freeze accounts of decontamination companies contracted by Gauteng education dept |url= https://citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/crime/2503475/siu-to-freeze-accounts-of-companies-contracted-by-gauteng-education-dept/ |access-date= 28 May 2021 |work= The Citizen |location=South Africa |date= 27 May 2021}} at schools amounted to multiples of their commercial value, a R168 million tender for water and sewer project in the Eastern Cape was not delivered by the municipal manager, a R4.8 million tender for a COVID-19 awareness campaign cannot be accounted for, and a R37 million tender issued under the emergency regulations by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, resulted in a poorly constructed fence at Beit Bridge border post of which large parts were soon stolen.

Private "covidpreneurs" launched numerous scams to exploit the public during the pandemic,{{cite news |last1=Ritchie |first1=Gemma |title=In these pandemic times, Covid-419 scams abound |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-06-05-in-these-pandemic-times-covid-419-scams-abound/ |access-date=3 November 2020 |work=amaBhungane |date=5 June 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Evans |first1=Jenni |title=SA company probed for non-delivery of PPE to Botswana, bank account frozen |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/sa-company-probed-for-non-delivery-of-ppe-to-botswana-bank-account-frozen-20200529 |access-date=3 November 2020 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=29 May 2020}} but violent crime showed a slight decrease during level 4 and 3 lockdown, compared to the same months of the previous year. Cash-in-transit heists spiked during a policing vacuum due to lockdown enforcement.{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1=Qama |title=Burgess: Spike in cash-in-transit heists fueled by policing vacuum amid Covid-19 |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/409377/latest-spike-in-cash-in-transit-heists-fueled-by-policing-vacuum-amid-covid-19 |access-date= 25 February 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=22 February 2021}}

Cyber crime in South Africa is regulated by Act No. 19 of 2020 (No. 44651), the Cybercrimes Act. It circumscribes offences which have a bearing on cybercrime, criminalizes the harmful disclosure of data messages, and facilitates interim protection orders.{{Cite web |title= Government Gazette - Cybercrimes 2020 act |url= https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202106/44651gon324.pdf | url-status=live |access-date=27 July 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210603074839/https://www.gov.za/sites/default/files/gcis_document/202106/44651gon324.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2021 }} On 22 July 2021, Transnet experienced a cyberattack{{Cite web |last=Viljoen |first=Felix Njini and John |title=Transnet declares force majeure at SA ports over cyberattack |url= https://www.news24.com/fin24/companies/transnet-declares-force-majeure-at-sa-ports-over-cyber-attack-20210727|access-date=27 July 2021 |website=Fin24|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Toyana|first=Mfuneko|date=26 July 2021|title=BUSINESS MAVERICK: Transnet cyberattack puts employees' salaries at risk while backlogs at ports mount|url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-07-26-transnet-cyberattack-puts-employees-salaries-at-risk-while-backlogs-at-ports-mount/|access-date=27 July 2021|website=Daily Maverick|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Ships are starting to bypass SA ports as Transnet tells customers and staff of 'sabotage'|url=https://www.businessinsider.co.za/transnet-admits-it-was-hacked-as-ships-start-skipping-south-africas-ports-2021-7|access-date=27 July 2021|website=Business Insider}} which caused it to declare a force majeure at several key container terminals, including Port of Durban, Ngqura, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.{{Cite web |last=Shead |first=Sam |date=27 July 2021 |title=South Africa port operations halted and workers reportedly put on leave after major cyberattack |url= https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/27/transnet-halts-port-operations-in-south-africa-after-major-cyberattack.html |access-date=27 July 2021 |publisher=CNBC |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Mokhoali |first=Veronica |title=Ntshavheni: Govt still believes cyberattack at Transnet unrelated to unrest |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/07/24/ntshavheni-govt-still-believes-cyberattack-at-transnet-unrelated-to-unrest |access-date=27 July 2021 |website=ewn.co.za|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=WATCH {{!}} Transnet declares a force majeure {{!}} eNCA|url=https://www.enca.com/business/transnet-declares-force-majeure|access-date=27 July 2021|website=www.enca.com|language=en}}

SARS estimates that illicit trade costs the South African economy R100 billion annually, depriving the country of taxes (R250 million annually) and resources, while contributing to instability and low economic growth.{{cite news |title=Edward Kieswetter's R100 billion illicit trade headache |url=https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/27979/edward-kieswetters-r100-billion-illicit-trade-headache/ |access-date=4 September 2023 |work=South Africa |agency=Daily Investor |publisher=dailyinvestor.com |date=22 August 2023}} Alcohol, cigarettes, counterfeit electronics, pharmaceuticals, food and apparel, besides fishing and mining related products are the main commodities affected. It is believed that police officers are bribed and provide protection for smugglers at Dragon City in Centurion and China Mall in Midrand, while Marabastad, Pretoria, has been highlighted as another smuggling hub.

About R8.5 billion worth of vehicles are stolen annually, some directly from dealership showroom floors, storage facilities,{{cite news |last1=Jordaan |first1=Nomahlubi |title=Security guard 'impostor' helps gang steal 12 Ford vehicles in single haul |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-01-26-security-guard-impostor-helps-gang-steal-12-ford-vehicles-in-single-haul/ |access-date=20 May 2021 |agency=Soweto Live |work=The Sowetan |date=26 January 2020}} or wash bays. The smuggling of many stolen vehicles to neighbouring countries{{cite web |last1=van Wyngaardt |first1=Michael |title=Vehicle Crime In South Africa |url=https://www.tracker.co.za/news/news-room/vehicle-crime-in-south-africa |website=tracker.co.za |access-date=11 March 2021 |date=29 October 2014}} is facilitated by corrupt border control officials.{{cite news |last1=Khoza |first1= Mandla |title= Bribery a huge problem at Lebombo border ― Premier warns cops at Lebombo |url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-12-17-bribery-a-huge-problem-at-lebombo-border/ |access-date=20 May 2021 |agency= Soweto Live |work=The Sowetan |date=17 December 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Meetsi |first1=Maj. Gen. K. R. |title= Border Security: Factors that influence cross-border criminal activities: A South African reality and feasible alternatives (presentation) |url= https://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/publications/maj_gen_kr_meetsi_presentation.pdf |website=saps.gov.za |publisher= SAPS |access-date=20 May 2021 |date=2017}} Other purportedly stolen vehicles are "cloned", sold and reintroduced into the system. In the “hula hoops” scam, a vehicle owner avoids completing his repayments by arranging with criminals to buy the vehicle at a generous amount, before lodging a fraudulent hijacking claim, which may include claims for supposed passenger injuries. Truck drivers may likewise collude with criminals, and be paid for their bogus claim of a truck hijacking. Boats are also stolen from marinas or when parked on a street,{{cite news |last1=Comins |first1=Lyse |title=Boat Thieves: Watch CCTV as Durban gang hooks up boat |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/boat-thieves-watch-cctv-as-durban-gang-hooks-up-boat/ |access-date=11 March 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=11 March 2021}} or the engines may be cut from the boat.

As in other countries, catalytic converters are stolen from cars as they may fetch R4,000 to R20,000 a piece,{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Storm |title=Motorists beware: Catalytic converter theft has hit Cape Town |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/catalytic-converter-theft-cape-town-south-africa-rhodium-platinum-precious-metal-7-july-2021/ |access-date= 7 July 2021 |work=Motoring News |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=7 July 2021}} whilst on farms, tractors and harvesters are stripped of their electrical wiring by copper thieves.

South Africa has a rail network of over 30,000 km, and it used to be the most advanced railway system on the continent.{{cite news |last1=Mkhize |first1=Vumani |title=South Africa's railways: How thieves have destroyed the network |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-60202570 |access-date=17 March 2022 |agency=BBC Africa Business |publisher=bbc.com |date=1 February 2022}} A significant portion of tracks, stations and train parts have been stripped by criminals looking for scrap metal.{{cite news |last1=Hyman |first1=Aron |title=WATCH: Lockdown looting hits CT train tracks - even in broad daylight |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-04-15-watch-lockdown-looting-hits-ct-train-tracks-even-in-broad-daylight/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=15 April 2020}} In 2021, the Brenthurst report found that two-thirds of the overhead cables that covered more than 3,000 km of track had been stolen and that the rail network was on the verge of total collapse.{{cite news |last1=Nombembe |first1=Philani |title=Vandals again causing havoc as 27 train routes cancelled in Cape Town |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-08-20-vandals-again-causing-havoc-as-27-train-routes-cancelled-in-cape-town/ |access-date=19 March 2022 |agency=Sowetan Live |publisher=sowetanlive.co.za |date=20 August 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Simelane |first1= Bheki C. |title=Stripped bare: Looting till there is nothing left of Gauteng's rail network |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-09-29-stripped-bare-looting-till-there-is-nothing-left-of-gautengs-rail-network/ |access-date= 17 March 2022 |work=Special Report |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=29 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Hyman |first1=Aron |title=Prasa reins in thieves after losing R364m to theft and vandalism in 2019 |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-06-03-prasa-reins-in-thieves-after-losing-r364m-to-theft-and-vandalism-in-2019/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=3 June 2020}} Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal are the worst affected provinces, and the cost of rebuilding is estimated at R4 billion.{{cite news |last1=Patel |first1=Faizel |title=Mbalula says vandalised Prasa rail infrastructure repairs will cost R4 billion |url=https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/3055190/mbalula-says-vandalised-prasa-rail-infrastructure-repairs-will-cost-r4-billion/ |access-date=26 March 2022 |agency=The Citizen |publisher= citizen.co.za |date=22 March 2022}} Drones, high barrier walls and facial recognition technology have been proposed as preventative measures.{{cite news |last1=Ash |first1=Paul |title=Drones join Prasa war on cable theft |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2020-03-01-drones-join-prasa-war-on-cable-theft/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |work= Transport |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=1 March 2020}} Metrorail services bypass many halts or stations due to their unsafety and the effects of vandalism and theft.{{cite news |last=African News Agency |title=Metrorail bied beperkte treindiens in Tshwane |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/metrorail-bied-beperkte-treindiens-in-tshwane/ |access-date=30 November 2023 |agency=Maroela Media |date=3 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Human |first1=Liezl |title=Which parts of Metrorail are still closed? |url=https://www.groundup.org.za/article/which-parts-of-metrorail-are-still-closed/ |access-date=30 November 2023 |agency=GroundUp |publisher=groundup.org.za |date=3 July 2023}}

File:2018 Cape Town train fire.jpg during 2016–2018.]]

Prasa collected information about train arson attacks since 2015, and stated that losses of some R636 million were incurred due to train fires from 2015 to January 2019. 71%, or losses totaling R451.6 million rand, occurred in the Western Cape, besides damage of R150 million to Cape Town Station.{{cite news |last1=Makinana |first1=Andisiwe |title=Arsonists blamed for torching of 214 trains in SA over past three years |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-01-22-arsonists-blamed-for-torching-of-214-trains-in-sa-over-past-three-years/ |access-date=3 September 2019 |agency=Sowetan Live |date=22 January 2019}} This entailed the burning of 214 train coaches, 174 in the Western Cape, and the remainder in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Cape Town's fleet of 90 trains was reduced to 44, and only one suspect was arrested.{{cite news |last1=Sicetsha |first1=Andile |title=Cape Town train fire: Security guards face suspension |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cape-town-train-fire-security-guards-suspension/ |access-date=3 September 2019 |agency=The South African |date=26 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Hyman |first1=Aron |last2=Molyneaux |first2=Anthony |title=Who's behind the six-year wave of Cape Town train fires? |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2019-02-10-watch-whos-behind-the-six-year-wave-of-cape-town-train-fires/ |access-date=3 September 2019 |agency=TimesLive |date=10 February 2019}} Some replacement trains acquired at R146 million each could not be insured.{{cite news |last1=Mantshantsha |first1=Sikonathi |title=Unprotected assets: Prasa derailment worsens as insurer cancels cover |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/money/news/unprotected-assets-prasa-derailment-worsens-as-insurer-cancels-cover/ar-AAHd55C?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=13 September 2019 |work=Daily Maverick |publisher=MSN |date=13 September 2019}} Police ombudsman J.J. Brand found that the SAPS failed to prevent, properly investigate, or successfully prosecute those responsible.{{cite news |last1=Cornelissen |first1=Christel |title=Ombudsman sê oor treinbrande in Wes-Kaap |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/ombudsman-se-oor-treinbrande-in-wes-kaap/ |access-date=3 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=12 June 2020}} In 2019, teenage boys (aged 14 and 15) were identified as the arsonists who torched 18 carriages worth R61 million,{{cite news |last1=Shange |first1=Naledi |title=Teenage boys arrested for huge Metrorail trains blaze |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-12-12-teenage-boys-arrested-for-huge-metrorail-trains-blaze/ |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=12 December 2019}} while the torching of 24 carriages at Bloemfontein in 2020 was also ascribed to loitering youths.{{cite news |last1=Njilo |first1=Nonkululeko |title=Prasa calls for arrests after 'senseless torching' of 24 train carriages in Bloem |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-01-05-prasa-calls-for-arrests-after-senseless-torching-of-24-train-carriages-in-bloem/ |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Times Live |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=5 January 2020}}

One aspect of xenophobic violence is the torching of trucks driven by foreigners on main routes{{cite news |last1=Brandt |first1=Kevin |title=Attackers block road, torch truck on N1 near Worcester |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/cars/traffic/attackers-block-road-torch-truck-on-n1-near-worcester/ar-AAGMKy9?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=5 September 2019 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=MSN |date=4 September 2019}} – the depredation flared up along the N3 route in April 2018, before spreading to other provinces. In the April 2018 incident, 32 trucks were torched and others looted near Mooi River on the N3 route,{{cite news |last1=Reporter |first1=Ana |title=N3 Mooi River re-opened after 32 trucks torched |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/kwazulu-natal/n3-mooi-river-re-opened-after-32-trucks-torched-14723760 |access-date=5 September 2019 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=1 May 2018}} and 54 protesters and opportunist looters were arrested.{{cite news |last1=Dawood |first1=Zainul |title=PICS: 54 arrested in #MooiRiver truck protest |url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/pics-54-arrested-in-mooiriver-truck-protest-14712252 |access-date=5 September 2019 |work=Daily News |date=30 April 2018}} Coordinated attacks during November 2020 targeted many freight trucks on the N3 and N12 routes.{{cite news |last1=Eyewitness News |title=Ramaphosa condemns 'mindless, bloody lawlessness' on freight truck attacks |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/25/ramaphosa-condemns-mindless-bloody-lawlessness-on-freight-truck-attacks |access-date=27 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=25 November 2020}} The attackers managed to loot and destroy 35 trucks in KwaZulu-Natal and at Heidelberg,{{cite news |last1=Kubheka |first1=Thando |title=At least 9 trucks torched near Heidelberg |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/20/at-least-9-trucks-torched-near-heidelberg |access-date=27 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=20 November 2020}} Parys-Sasolburg and Daveyton{{cite news |last1=Lindeque |first1=Mia |title=Gauteng police hunt armed suspects after 2 trucks held up, torched in Daveyton |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/25/gauteng-police-hunt-armed-suspects-after-2-trucks-held-up-torched-in-daveyton |access-date=27 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=25 November 2020}} respectively. Truck drivers were shot at, with some injured and one killed.{{cite news |last1=Lindeque |first1=Mia |title=At least 9 trucks set alight overnight on N3 highway near KZN |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/23/at-least-9-trucks-set-alight-overnight-on-n3-highway-near-kzn |access-date=27 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=23 November 2020}} 25 people were arrested.{{cite news |last1=Nicolson |first1=Greg |last2=Simelane |first2=Bheki |title=Twenty five arrested for truck attacks as Cele ponders calling in the army for assistance |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2020-11-30-twenty-five-arrested-for-truck-attacks-as-cele-ponders-calling-in-the-army-for-assistance/ |access-date=1 December 2020 |work=Daily Maverick |date=30 November 2020}}

Faiez Jacobs pointed out that arson cripples the entire value chain of the community‚ with many people unable to go to work‚ losing a day's pay‚ and ultimately losing their employment, which in turn causes social upheaval and adds further burdens to their community.{{cite news |last1=Nombembe |first1=Philani |title='Train arsonist' held after fire at Cape Town station |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2018-07-31-train-arsonist-held-after-fire-at-cape-town-station/ |access-date=3 September 2019 |agency=Sowetan Live |date=31 July 2018}} SATAWU has noted that labour strikes that are called by unidentifiable persons have been associated with incidents of arson.{{cite news |title=KZN transport MEC condemns torching of trucks on N3 |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-09-01-kzn-transport-mec-condemns-torching-of-trucks-on-n3/ |access-date=5 September 2019 |agency=TimesLive |date=1 September 2019}}

Organised crime syndicates smuggle blasting cartridges across South Africa's borders, especially from Zimbabwe, and their unsuspecting mules deliver these to criminals. The explosives are used to bomb ATMs, rob cash-in-transit vehicles, for illegal mining operations, or more recently as a tool of extortion during robberies. The Explosives Act of 2003 and its supporting regulations have not been implemented as of 2021,{{cite web |title=Explosives Act 26 of 1956 |url=https://www.saps.gov.za/resource_centre/acts/downloads/juta/act26of1956.pdf |website=saps.gov.za |publisher=SAPS |access-date=22 February 2021}} and law enforcement relies on the outdated Act 26 of 1956 and regulations that were only superficially updated{{cite web |title=Explosives Regulations, 2002 |url= http://www.labour.gov.za/DocumentCenter/Regulations%20and%20Notices/Regulations/Occupational%20Health%20and%20Safety/Regulation%20-%20109%20-%20OHS%20-%20Explosives%20Regulation.pdf |website= labour.gov.za |publisher=Government Gazette: Regulation Gazette No. 7458 |access-date=22 February 2021 |date=17 January 2003}} since 1972. These regulations do not place mandatory obligations on tracking and tracing of explosives, meaning that legal consumers are not prosecuted when their explosives are lost or stolen.

{{See also|Zama zamas}}

Illegal mining is most prevalent in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and the Free State.{{cite news |last1=Dlamini |first1=Penwell |title=It will take 17 years to close shafts – Mantashe on illegal mining: Minister says illegal mining is an economic sabotage |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-08-11-it-will-take-17-years-to-close-shafts-mantashe-on-illegal-mining/ |access-date=16 August 2022 |work=South Africa |agency=SowetanLive |publisher=sowetanlive.co.za |date=11 August 2022}} It shows an upward trend and is inter-related with organised crime{{cite web |title=Illegal mining |url=https://www.mineralscouncil.org.za/work/illegal-mining |website=Minerals Council South Africa |publisher=mineralscouncil.org.za |access-date=24 November 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Adams |first1=Tasneem |last2=Bingwa |first2=Bongani |last3=Coetzer |first3=Graham |title='Zama-zamas are fueled by an insatiable appetite for gold' |url=https://www.702.co.za/articles/451130/zama-zamas-are-fueled-by-an-insatiable-appetite-for-gold |access-date=3 August 2022 |agency=702. |publisher=702.co.za |date=2 August 2022}} and money laundering.{{cite news |last1=Maroela-redaksie |title=Nog klagte dalk teen drie wat glo goud smokkel |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/nog-klagte-dalk-teen-drie-wat-glo-goud-smokkel/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=5 January 2021}} Thousands of disused or active mines attract illegal miners, also known as zama zamas, due to unanswered socio-economic inequalities. The estimated 30,000 illegal miners are organised by some 200 criminal syndicates (as of 2022{{cite news |last1=Ledwaba |first1=Karabo |title=Masemola assures tavern shootings are not linked, announces appointment of top cops |url=https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/masemola-assures-tavern-shootings-are-not-linked-announces-appointment-of-top-cops-20220801 |access-date=16 August 2022 |agency=City Press |publisher=news24.com |date=1 August 2022}}) which infiltrate industrial gold mines, where they employ violent means and exploitative working conditions.{{cite news |last1=Tlou |first1=Gift |title=Hawks intensifies fight against foreigners involved in illegal mining |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/hawks-intensifies-fight-against-foreigners-involved-in-illegal-mining/ |access-date=21 December 2020 |agency=IOL |publisher=MSN |date=21 December 2020}} Losses in sales, tax revenue and royalties are said to amount to R21 billion per annum, while physical infrastructure and public safety are compromised. Output in excess of R14 billion of gold per annum has been channeled to international markets via neighbouring countries. The greater part, over 34 tons of gold between 2012 and 2016, was smuggled to Dubai, UAE. At times construction contractors rent out their haul trucks and excavators to syndicates who then proceed with open-cast mining in contravention of the Environmental Act.{{cite news |last1=Cornelissen |first1=Christel |title=Talle vas vir onwettige mynboubedrywighede |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/talle-vas-vir-onwettige-mynboubedrywighede/ |access-date=22 November 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher= maroelamedia.co.za |date=13 November 2020}} Mining companies which operate from no fixed address may also submit fraudulent applications for mining licences, by for instance plagiarizing the required EIA.{{cite web |title=Nasionale Krugerwildtuin-Mynaansoek gestop |url=https://afriforum.co.za/nasionale-kruger-wildtuin-mynaansoek-gestop/ |website=AfriForum |publisher=afriforum.co.za |access-date=3 December 2020 |date=24 November 2020 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127054626/https://afriforum.co.za/nasionale-kruger-wildtuin-mynaansoek-gestop/ |url-status=dead }}

Unregistered operators of precious metal refineries are charged with illegal possession of unwrought precious metals under the Precious Metals Act, cyanide pollution under the Environmental Act, and their equipment and raw materials are seized.{{cite news |last1=IOL Reporter |title=Seven suspects appear over R8m illicit gold refinery on West Rand |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/national/seven-suspects-appear-over-r8m-illicit-gold-refinery-on-west-rand/ar-BB1bQAGh?ocid=msedgntp |access-date=11 December 2020 |agency=IOL |publisher=MSN |date=11 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Viljoen |first1=Buks |title=Hawks nab 12 zama zamas at illicit gold refinery |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/hawks-nab-12-zama-zamas-at-illicit-gold-refinery-20201223 |access-date=25 February 2021 |agency= News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=23 December 2020}} The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 acknowledges artisanal miners, but an overhaul of the act has been proposed.{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Alan |title=Solving South Africa's violent and costly Zama Zama problem |url= https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/national/solving-south-africas-violent-and-costly-zama-zama-problem/ar-AAD7pcx?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=20 June 2019 |agency=ISS Today |publisher=Daily Maverick, MSN |date=19 June 2019}}, see also: Uncovered: The dark world of the Zama Zamas, ENACT project, EU policy brief The Council for Geoscience and Department of Mineral Resources are jointly responsible for rehabilitating the 6,000 abandoned mines in South Africa (600 around Johannesburg alone).{{cite web |last1=Bingwa |first1=Bongani |last2=Van Wyk |first2=David |last3=Mabuza |first3=Mosa |title=Illegal mining brings Johannesburg to the brink of a massive disaster (702) |url=https://lifepodcasts.fm/podcasts/176-the-best-of-breakfast-with-bongani-bingwa/episode/152866-illegal-mining-brings-johannesburg-to-the-brink-of-a-massive-disaster |website=lifepodcasts.fm |access-date=21 October 2020 |date =27 November 2018}} They are barely making headway, and don't expect to close all abandoned shafts before 2039. Meanwhile manpower and resources of the Border Management Authority (BMA) will be diverted to combat well-armed illegal miners.{{cite web |title=BMA will be part of stopping illegal mining |url=https://www.defenceweb.co.za/security/border-security/bma-will-be-part-of-stopping-illegal-mining/ |website=defenceweb.co.za |date=10 October 2023 |publisher=defenceWeb |access-date=11 October 2023 |ref=11 October 2023}}

Livestock theft is prevalent and increasing{{cite web |last1=Steyn |first1=Annette (MP) |title=Millions of Rands and thousands of animals lost to stock theft in SA |url=https://www.da.org.za/2021/02/millions-of-rands-and-thousands-of-animals-lost-to-stock-theft-in-sa |website=da.org.za |publisher=Democratic Alliance |access-date=18 April 2021 |date=28 February 2021}} in all provinces of South Africa, but the Eastern Cape, where gangs of thieves openly target marginal farmers,{{cite news |title=Farmers Under Siege |url=https://www.dispatchlive.co.za/news/farmers-under-siege/ |access-date=10 December 2021 |work=A Dispatch Special Investigation |agency=DispatchLive |publisher=dispatchlive.co.za |date=4 March 2021}} Also see: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucB9nNFLgvQ&t=60s Eastern Cape — Farmers Under Siege], YouTube has the highest number of cases.{{cite web |last1=Eckard |first1=Lourensa |title=KNverslag: Veediefstalsindikaat in Ermelo vasgetrek |date=24 May 2019 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EAITV8-fAA |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/2EAITV8-fAA |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|via=YouTube |publisher=KykNet |access-date=20 June 2019}}{{cbignore}} Some 70,000 head of cattle to the value of R1,3 billion are stolen annually, while sheep farming has been abandoned in some areas due to the prevalence of theft. Livestock theft is often motivated by greed,{{cite web |last1=Geldenhuys |first1=Kotie |title=Stock theft: A costly, cruel crime |url=https://servamus.co.za/index.php/servamus/july-2016/493-stock-theft-a-costly-cruel-crime |website=servamus.co.za |publisher=Sarvamus |access-date=18 April 2021 |date=March 2020 |archive-date=18 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210418150133/https://servamus.co.za/index.php/servamus/july-2016/493-stock-theft-a-costly-cruel-crime |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |last1=Masiwa |first1=Duncan |title=Stock theft: Education boss busted for stolen cattle |url=https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/stock-theft-ramadie/ |website=foodformzansi.co.za |publisher=VKB - Food for Mzansi |access-date=18 April 2021 |date=23 February 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Heyns |first1=Tania |title=Polisieman vas vir veediefstal |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/polisieman-vas-vir-veediefstal-2/ |access-date=13 May 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=25 March 2021}} and organized theft which bags a large number of animals at a time is on the rise, representing about 88% of these thefts in 2019. The losses impact the livelihoods of farm workers besides farmers,{{cite news |last1= Ngcakani |first1=Noluthando |title=Government 'kicks 80 year old farmer in the teeth' |url= https://www.foodformzansi.co.za/government-kicks-80-year-old-limpopo-farmer-in-the-teeth/ |access-date=11 November 2020 |agency=Food for Mzansi |publisher=foodformzansi.co.za |date=4 November 2020}} and it is claimed that crime prevention has yet to catch up with the modus operandi of syndicates. A stock theft task force has been established in the Free State, and Eskom has provided a hotline for the reporting of suspicious activities by its employees, after alleged stock theft on a Northern Cape farm.{{cite web |last1=Eskom |title=Eskom condemns alleged stock theft by employee |url= https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2648469782066015&set=pcb.2647600842152909&type=3&theater |via=Facebook |access-date=5 April 2020}} Since 1996, ARC's Animal Genetics Laboratory in Irene, Pretoria, assists the SAPS in about 500 cases per annum where DNA matching may provide identification, determine parentage or resolve ownership of stolen livestock or poached game.{{cite web |last1=Zwane |first1=Avhashoni |last2=Soma |first2=Pranisha |title=Animal Genetics: DNA Forensics is the key to resolving stock theft in South Africa |url=https://www.arc.agric.za/arc-api/Pages/Animal-Genetics.aspx |website=arc.agric.za |publisher=ARC • LNR |access-date=18 April 2021 |year = 2014}}

Since 2015, theft of avocado and macadamia produce has shown an upward trend which affects smallholder as well as large scale farmers. Locally avocado fetches up to R25 per fruit in 2020, while macadamia, of which South Africa is the largest producer, fetches up to $25 per pound internationally. During the autumn harvest season, producers consequently rely on costly round the clock security measures to dissuade thieves. Single opportunists besides organised syndicates are at work, which via middle men supply a thriving black market.{{cite news |last1=Bega |first1=Sheree |title=Black market in macadamia nuts and avocados booming as crime syndicates take root |url=https://www.iol.co.za/saturday-star/news/black-market-in-macadamia-nuts-and-avocados-booming-as-crime-syndicates-take-root-45030445 |access-date=5 January 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=17 March 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Hosken |first1=Graeme |title='It's a full-on war': SA's avocado farms targeted by crime syndicates |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/sunday-times/news/2021-01-03-watch-its-a-full-on-war-sas-avocado-farms-targeted-by-crime-syndicates/ |access-date=5 January 2021 |agency=TimesLive |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=3 January 2021}} Grain producers are sometimes conned by silo operators that issue fraudulent silo certificates, which may misstate the quantity, quality and/or location where grain is stored, with resultant financial losses for the producer.{{cite web |title=AfriForum en Saai staan boer by met indien van strafregtelike klagtes oor beweerde silosertifikaatbedrog |url=https://afriforum.co.za/afriforum-en-saai-staan-boer-by-met-indien-van-strafregtelike-klagtes-oor-beweerde-silosertifikaatbedrog/ |website=AfriForum |access-date=31 March 2021 |date=18 March 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

Stats SA reports that the number of households that experienced this crime in the five years preceding the survey has increased from 2.1 million in 2015/16 to 2.3 million in 2019/20.{{cite web | url=https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=13811 | title=Housebreaking still number one crime in SA | Statistics South Africa }} Electronics, especially laptop computers, televisions, decoders and cameras, are the most stolen items; followed by jewellery. Break-ins at police stations are a regular occurrence, and hardly any of the perpetrators are convicted.{{cite news |last1= Molosankwe |first1=Botho |title=Items worth over R1.6m stolen during 136 break-ins at Gauteng police stations |url= https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/items-worth-over-r16m-stolen-during-136-break-ins-at-gauteng-police-stations-1ae80dde-5629-48d5-b023-4c208f7c9908 |access-date=12 July 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=21 May 2021}}

Vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure have an impact on municipal budgets, interrupts service delivery, and burdens the taxpayer.{{cite web |title=Theft and vandalism of municipal property and equipment |url= https://www.lesedilm.gov.za/news_Theft_and_vandalism_of_municipal_property_and_equipment.php |website=lesedilm.gov.za |publisher=Lesedi Local Municipality, Heidelberg |date = 22 October 2013 |access-date=22 August 2020}} Gates, fencing, man-hole covers, paving stones, filling material of road embankments,{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1=Qama |title=MEC releases Nyanga sinkhole report: Theft of sand filling led to tragedy |url=https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/409786/mec-releases-nyanga-sinkhole-report-theft-of-sand-filling-led-to-tragic-accident |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=25 February 2021}} metal sheeting,{{cite news |last1=Nxumalo |first1=Lethu |title=Copper thief stopped in his tracks after trying to steal PMB City Hall roof sheeting |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/copper-thief-stopped-in-his-tracks-after-trying-to-steal-pmb-city-hall-roof-sheeting/ar-BB1a6cb7?ocid=msedgntp |access-date=19 October 2020 |agency=DailyNews |publisher=Microsoft News |date=17 October 2020}} any copper objects (which fetches R80/kg),{{cite news |last1= Charles |first1=Marvin |title=Copper theft on the rise according to Cape law enforcement |url= https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/copper-theft-on-the-rise-according-to-cape-law-enforcement-40196119 |access-date=26 November 2020 |work= Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=7 January 2020}} brass water meters,{{cite news |last1=van Niekerk |first1=Liezl |title=Diewe slaan toe op watermeters |url=https://www.oudtshoorncourant.com/News/Article/General/diewe-slaan-toe-op-watermeters-202112020203 |access-date=3 December 2021 |agency=Oudtshoorn Courant |publisher=oudtshoorncourant.com |date=2 December 2021}} street lights, pipes, bathroom taps and parts of statues are stolen,{{cite news |last1=Waterworth |first1=Tanya |title=Churchill's plaque goes missing |url=https://www.iol.co.za/ios/news/churchills-plaque-goes-missing-814ce2a9-7369-49c8-98cd-e4466fe30570 |access-date=18 April 2021 |agency=IOS News |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=27 February 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Seleka |first1=Ntwaagae |title=Matjhabeng municipality: Rampant looting, illegal mining and theft could wipe out ailing entity |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/matjhabeng-municipality-rampant-looting-illegal-mining-and-theft-could-wipe-out-ailing-entity-20210905 |access-date=16 September 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=5 September 2021}} and smaller items are whisked away in wheelie bins in broad daylight.{{cite news |last1=Moses |first1=Devidean |title=Plaveistene een vir een gevat, verkoop |url= https://www.netwerk24.com/ZA/Paarl-Post/Nuus/plaveistene-een-vir-een-gevat-verkoop-20190327-2 |access-date=22 August 2020 |work=Paarl Post |publisher=netwerk24.com |date=29 March 2019}}{{cite web |title=Theft Of Municipal Property: Tongaat - KZN |url= https://www.facebook.com/ReactionUnitSouthAfrica/posts/2222003704484878 |via=Facebook |publisher=Reaction Unit South Africa |access-date=22 August 2020 |date=29 November 2018}} Proposals to prevent these crimes include: installation of CCTV cameras, raids on scrapyards, closure of illegal scrapyards and daily updates of theft statistics. In Cape Town, the specialized Copper Theft Unit (or so-called "Copperheads") was established in 2007, which arrested 275 thieves and scrap dealers during their first year of operation.{{cite news |title=Strike Force Battles South Africa Copper Thieves |url= https://www.voanews.com/archive/strike-force-battles-south-africa-copper-thieves |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210506015351/https://www.voanews.com/archive/strike-force-battles-south-africa-copper-thieves |url-status= dead |archive-date= 6 May 2021 |access-date=26 November 2020 |agency=VOA |publisher= Voice of America |date=1 November 2009}} This reduced the city's annual financial loss due to copper theft from R22 million to under R500,000.{{cite news |last1=Venter |first1=Irma (Creamer Media) |title=How copper theft is ruining the economy and what's being done about it |url=https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/print-version/how-copper-theft-is-ruining-the-economy-and-whats-being-done-about-it-2008-08-29 |access-date=26 November 2020 |agency=Engineering News |publisher=engineeringnews.co.za |date=29 August 2008}} Municipal land may also be sold illegally by incumbent or self-appointed council agents.{{cite news |last1=Wa Afrika |first1=Mzilikazi |last2=Hofstatter |first2=Stephan |title=How a small town blew R2bn on dodgy deals |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2011-06-12-how-a-small-town-blew-r2bn-on-dodgy-deals/ |access-date=16 September 2021 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=12 June 2011}} In 2010, 33 fraudulent land transactions were uncovered by the Johannesburg city council. Municipal buildings are often occupied illegally, or may be rented out for personal gain.{{cite news |last1=Kgosana |first1=Rorisang |title=Self-appointed landlord hijacks City of Tshwane building and collects rent |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/self-appointed-landlord-hijacks-city-of-tshwane-building-and-collects-rent-latest-gauteng-04-august-2022/ |access-date=11 August 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=4 August 2022}}

File:Cable theft in Buyscelia AH.jpg, Gauteng]]

A 2021 estimate placed losses due to cable theft at between R5 billion and R7 billion annually.{{cite news |last1=de Villiers |first1=du Preez |title=Landbou loop ook deur onder skroothandel |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/landbou/landbounuus/landbou-loop-ook-deur-onder-skroothandel/ |access-date=11 February 2022 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=11 February 2022}} The eThekwini, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay metros in particular are pillaged by criminal syndicates and subsistence thieves, while conviction rates hover around 4%. Likewise Telkom, Eskom and Spoornet each report thousands of cable theft incidents annually, some by their own employees.{{cite news |title=Eskom employee and accomplice bust for possession of stolen copper cables |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-04-18-eskom-employee-and-accomplice-bust-for-possession-of-stolen-copper-cables/ |access-date=17 March 2022 |work=South Africa |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=18 April 2020}} Cable theft from train stations has endangered passengers and brought services to a standstill in parts of Gauteng and the Western Cape.{{cite news |last1=Ndlazi |first1=Sakhile |title=Memorial for #TrainCrash victims soured |url= https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/national/memorial-for-supernumbertraincrash-victims-soured/ar-BBSp2qf?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=18 January 2019 |work=Pretoria News |date=18 January 2019}}

Around Johannesburg, vandalism and theft of the power grid infrastructure shows an upward trend, and the Gauteng province has established a multi-disciplinary task team to curb these crimes by integrating available resources and expertise.{{cite news |last1=Baloyi |first1=Thabo |title=KwaZulu-Natal: Three men arrested for copper cable theft |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/kwazulu-natal-three-men-arrested-for-copper-cable-theft/ |access-date=19 June 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher= thesouthafrican.com |date=2022-06-19}} Hundreds of millions of rand is lost to vandalising of street poles and theft of newly installed equipment such as supply cables and aerial bundled cables. Mini-substations, pole transformers, road interchanges, and lights on pedestrian bridges are targeted by criminals and a high number of illegal connections also damage the supply transformers.{{cite news |title=City of Johannesburg has lost at least R300m to theft and vandalism – Mashaba |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/national/city-of-johannesburg-has-lost-at-least-r300m-to-theft-and-vandalism-–-mashaba/ar-BBQcnIc?ocid=spartanntp |access-date=30 November 2018 |work=Daily Maverick |publisher= News24 |date=29 November 2018}} Cape Town experiences equipment damage and theft that impacts the electricity supply to residents, communities and road users, and results in almost constant outages in some areas.{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1= Qama |title=Illegal connections and power theft have cost over R15m since July - City of CT |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/414801/illegal-connections-and-power-theft-have-cost-over-r15m-since-july-city-of-ct |access-date=26 April 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=26 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1= Qukula |first1= Qama |title=City offers reward for info about streetlight theft in Mitchells Plain |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/408800/city-pleads-with-mitchells-plain-residents-to-report-streetlight-theft-on-strandfontein-road |access-date=26 April 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=15 February 2021}}

Illegal connections to the power grid is a common problem in major centers. As of 2020, illegal connections in Soweto alone causes Johannesburg's City Power R3 million in losses daily, but the practice is also current in Diepsloot and Alexandra where meter boxes and units are absent,{{cite news |last1=Egwu |first1=Patrick |title=Alex protesters prevent officials from cutting off illegal electricity connections |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-02-18-alex-protesters-prevent-officials-from-cutting-off-illegal-electricity-connections/ |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Daily Maverick |date=18 February 2021}} besides Roodepoort, Midrand and even the upmarket Waterfall Estate.{{cite news |title=Eskom wants to 'name and shame' residents for non-payment |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/450161/eskom-wants-to-name-and-shame-residents-for-non-payment/ |access-date=23 November 2020 |agency=BusinessTech |publisher=businesstech.co.za |date=20 November 2020}} Not only households, but many businesses and even a church have been found to steal electricity.{{cite news |last1=Modise |first1= Kgomotso |title=Diepsloot business owners say disconnection of illegal power a blow for them |url= https://ewn.co.za/2020/09/30/diepsloot-business-owners-say-disconnection-of-illegal-power-a-blow-for-them |access-date=23 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=van der Merwe |first1=Anja |title=Sakeman vas vir korrupsie oor kragrekening |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/sakeman-vas-vir-korrupsie-oor-kragrekening/ |access-date=2 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=1 December 2020}} Some property developers deliberately connect smart meters illegally, fail to register meters during construction, or divert power temporarily during and for the construction process.

Johannesburg's City Power imposes a fine of R30,000 and expects the payment of all arrears before a premises is reconnected.{{cite news |last1=Ntshidi |first1=Edwin |title=City Power gets tough on illegal connections in Roodepoort |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/11/23/city-power-gets-tough-on-illegal-connections-in-roodepoort |access-date=23 November 2020 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=23 November 2020}} In addition to private premises, there are syndicates that focus on defrauding Eskom. By 2020, due to a culture of non-payment, municipalities have accumulated debt of R46.1 billion (R31 billion overdue) with Eskom, and sometimes refuse to pay despite court judgements against them.{{cite news |last1=Ndaba |first1=Baldwin |title=Emfuleni officials claim R21m in travel costs in just two months |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/gauteng/emfuleni-officials-claim-r21m-in-travel-costs-in-just-two-months-44974345 |access-date=18 November 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=16 March 2020}} Payments meant for Eskom may also disappear in the pockets of municipal workers.{{cite news |last1=Benghu |first1=Lwandile |title=KZN municipal worker arrested for allegedly stealing millions meant for Eskom |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2020-02-04-kzn-municipal-worker-arrested-for-allegedly-stealing-millions-meant-for-eskom/ |access-date=23 November 2020 |agency=TimesLive |work=Sunday Times (Johannesburg) |date=4 February 2020}}

Fuel worth over R100 million is stolen annually from Transnet's pipelines,{{cite news |last1=Sidimba |first1=Loyiso |title=Thieves stole R250m worth of fuel from Transnet |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/thieves-stole-r250m-worth-of-fuel-from-transnet-4a73fae5-8cd3-4312-adc8-b093fd46daa8 |access-date=20 April 2021 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=20 April 2021}} and evidently sold by unlicensed retailers.{{cite news |last1=Ngema |first1=Thobeka |title=Police, Hawks, private security net fraudulent fuel seller in KwaZulu-Natal |url=https://www.iol.co.za/dailynews/news/kwazulu-natal/police-hawks-private-security-net-fraudulent-fuel-seller-in-kwazulu-natal-aca95366-3302-405d-bc6b-d4443ea60e83 |access-date=9 November 2022 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=3 November 2022}} Drone technology, tactical deployments and intelligence gathering are implemented to curb the trend. Many vehicles have been seized at crime scenes, but the conviction rate of perpetrators remains close to 0%. The skimming of fuel from the tanks of large vehicles is another illicit practice, while at filling stations up to 65% of retailers are regular victims of petrol drive-offs.{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1=Qama |last2=Kiewit |first2=Lester |last3=van der Merwe |first3= Henry (SAPRA) |title=Should petrol attendants have to pay up when drivers speed off? |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/442708/watch-should-petrol-attendants-have-to-pay-up-when-drivers-speed-off? |access-date=13 April 2022 |agency=CapeTalk |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=8 April 2022}} Similarly, drivers of fuel delivery vehicles are bribed to make partial deliveries,{{cite news |last1=Heyns |first1=Tania |title=Eskom operateur steel glo R500 000 se diesel |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/eskom-operateur-steel-glo-r500-000-se-diesel/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=29 December 2022}} i.a. by forging invoices, or to mix coal fuel with worthless material.{{cite news |last1=Staff writer |title=Here is the proof – Rocks and sand delivered to Eskom power plants as coal |url=https://mybroadband.co.za/news/energy/302276-here-is-the-proof-rocks-and-sand-delivered-to-eskom-power-plants-as-coal.html |access-date=6 January 2023 |agency=Mybroadband |publisher=mybroadband.co.za |date=10 April 2019}} Diesel theft in particular is a widespread problem which affects Eskom’s ability to operate gas turbines during peak electricity demand.{{cite news |last1=Cruywagen |first1=Vincent |title=Eskom operator hauled to court after probe into theft of diesel worth R500,000 |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-01-05-eskom-operator-hauled-to-court-after-probe-into-theft-of-diesel-worth-r500000/ |access-date=6 January 2023 |work=Defend truth: Power Crisis |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=5 January 2023 }}

Schools are seen as easy targets for thieves looking for laptops, computers, data projectors, photocopiers,{{cite news |last1=Son verslaggewer |title=Skool se gesteelde fotostaatmasjien by werker se huis gevind |url= https://www.son.co.za/dieson/nuus/ooskaap/skool-se-gesteelde-fotostaatmasjien-by-werker-se-huis-gevind-20220508 |access-date=10 May 2022 |agency=Son |publisher=son.co.za |date=8 May 2022}} cameras and cash,{{cite news |title=Another school looted by thieves, this time in Midrand - and Lesufi is livid |url= https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-04-16-another-school-looted-by-thieves-this-time-in-midrand-and-lesufi-is-livid/ |access-date=15 July 2019 |work=The Sowetan |date=16 April 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Simpson |first1=Storm |title=Primary school robbed of laptops and cash – night watchman tied up at gunpoint |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/malebaleba-primary-school-in-kutloanong-robbery-laptops-cash-valuables-security-guard-tied-up-3-august-2022/ |access-date=4 August 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=3 August 2022}} though fencing, electrical equipment, gas cylinders,{{cite news |last1=Mlamla |first1=Sisonke |title=59 Western Cape schools damaged by burglaries and vandalism during the holidays |url=https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/59-western-cape-schools-damaged-by-burglaries-and-vandalism-during-the-holidays-50bc1258-64f7-4954-a6b7-5b09e23c0fb0 |access-date=22 February 2021 |work=Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=17 February 2021}} filing cabinets, desks and stationery are also stolen. Strategies to prevent burglaries include access control, upgrading of security gates, fences and burglar bars, CCTV cameras, 24-hour security and alarms linked to armed response. Teachers have also been charged with theft and fraud at schools, and have been pressured into corrupt deals by external parties.{{cite news |last1=Mlamla |first1=Sisonke |title=Shock as Education MEC reveals litany of cases against educators |url= https://www.iol.co.za/capeargus/news/shock-as-education-mec-reveals-litany-of-cases-against-educators-61e1648f-af32-4d3a-87dc-9d8bcf935204 |access-date=20 April 2021 |work=Cape Argus |location=South Africa |date=9 April 2021}}

Perpetrators of school vandalism are often vagrants, gangsters or local male learners, besides ex-learners and drop-outs. Implicated learners are typically experiencing learning problems or societal challenges like poverty or drug and alcohol dependency.{{cite journal |last1=De Wet |first1=Corene |title=The extent and causes of learner vandalism at schools |journal=South African Journal of Education |year=2004 |volume=24 |issue=3 |pages=206–211 | issn = 0256-0100 |url= https://www.ajol.info/index.php/saje/article/view/24990 |access-date=13 August 2021}} Local protests, whether due to lack of service delivery or other reasons, regularly result in arson or vandalism at schools.{{cite news |last1=Mntungwa |first1=Nonjabula |title=Pupils worried over torched KZN schools |url= http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/pupils-worried-over-torched-kzn-schools/ |access-date=15 July 2019 |agency=SABC |publisher=@SABCNewsOnline |date=8 January 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Charlton |first1=Holly |title=Mooi River school struggles to recover from vandalism, looting |url=https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/mooi-river-school-struggles-to-recover-from-vandalism-looting-20180123 |access-date=15 July 2019 |agency=News24 |date=23 January 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Maphanga |first1=Canny |title=Police on the hunt for suspects who burnt down a school in Mpumalanga |url= https://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/police-on-the-hunt-for-suspects-who-burnt-down-a-school-in-mpumalanga-20190313 |access-date=15 July 2019 |agency=News24 |date=13 March 2019}} During one week in 2018, four schools were set alight in Mpumalanga province,{{cite news |title=South Africans concerned about torching of schools |url=http://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/south-africans-concerned-about-torching-of-schools/ |access-date=15 July 2019 |agency=SABC |publisher=@SABCNewsOnline |date=15 June 2018}} while over R300 million in damage was caused to 148 Gauteng and KZN schools during 2021's unrest.{{cite news |last1=Ntshidi |first1=Edwin |title=Motshekga: Estimated damage at school in KZN, GP during riots around R300M |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/07/24/motshekga-estimated-damage-at-schools-in-kzn-gp-during-riots-around-r300m |access-date=13 August 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=24 July 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Isaacs |first1=Lauren |title=MPs concerned about vandalism of schools in KZN and Gauteng |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/08/12/mps-concerned-about-vandalism-of-schools-in-kzn-and-gauteng |access-date=13 August 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=12 August 2021}} Student protests at tertiary education facilities likewise cause millions in damage.{{cite news |last1=Mokhoali |first1=Veronica |title=Vandalism at tertiary institutions costs state over R32 mn - Nzimande |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/03/27/vandalism-at-tertiary-institutions-costs-state-over-r32-mn-nzimande |access-date=28 March 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=27 March 2021}}{{cite news |last1=LeandreAdmin@ |title=Betogings dié keer erger as voorheen waarsku EFF |url=https://rosestad.co.za/betogings-die-keer-erger-as-voorheen-waarsku-eff/ |access-date=28 March 2021 |agency=Rosestad 100.6 FM |publisher=rosestad.co.za |date=24 March 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=December 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite news |last1=Krige |first1=Elaine |title=Sóveel kos skade weens betogings by universiteite |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/soveel-kos-skade-weens-betogings-by-universiteite/ |access-date=25 April 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=27 March 2021}} Criminals have also targeted teachers and school personnel.{{cite news |last1=Tswanya |first1=Yolisa |title=Murdered principal died as a result of her anti-corruption stance, says family |url= https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/murdered-principal-died-as-a-result-of-her-anti-corruption-stance-says-family-6275cd44-2bed-48bb-a11b-1f5e000ec23a |access-date=25 October 2020 |agency=IOL |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=21 September 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Strydom |first1=Nico |title=Sewe vas na noodlottige skietvoorvalle by twee skole |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/sewe-vas-na-noodlottige-skietvoorvalle-by-twee-skole/ |access-date=25 October 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=24 October 2020}}

South Africa has become a consumer, producer and distributor of hard drugs.{{cite news |last1=Felix |first1=Jason |title= Interpol: SA seen as a gateway to export drugs due to 'good infrastructure' | url = https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/crime/interpol-sa-seen-as-a-gateway-to-export-drugs-due-to-good-infrastructure/ar-AAHtzRI |access-date = 18 September 2019 |agency= Eyewitness News |publisher=MSN |date=18 September 2019}} The trend is driven by urban decay, criminal overlordship in marginalised communities,{{cite news |last1=Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime |title= Purer form of crystal meth from Afghanistan and Pakistan hitting South African drug market |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-03-25-purer-form-of-crystal-meth-from-afghanistan-and-pakistan-hitting-south-african-drug-market/ |access-date=26 March 2021 |work=Op-Ed |date= 25 March 2021}} homelessness{{cite news |last1=Qukula |first1=Qama |last2=Hobday |first2=Jonathan |title= CPF says City of CT 'missing in action' while more homeless people turn to drugs |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/414815/cpf-says-city-of-ct-missing-in-action-while-more-homeless-people-turn-to-drugs |access-date= 26 April 2021 |agency=Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher=capetalk.co.za |date=26 April 2021}} and police corruption,{{cite news |last1=Nombembe |first1=Philani |title=Taxi drivers apprehend cops for dealing in dagga |url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-02-12-taxi-drivers-apprehend-cops-for-dealing-in-dagga/ |access-date=21 February 2022 |agency=TimesLive |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=12 February 2022}} and is expanding into rural areas.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Graig-Lee | title=Voorstekraal community living in fear of losing youth to drug merchants: Leaders in the Overberg community have told Eyewitness News that young girls and school children have been recruited to sell drugs. |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/09/voorstekraal-community-living-in-fear-of-losing-youth-to-drug-merchants |access-date=26 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=9 April 2021}}{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Graig-Lee |title=Voorstekraal community's attempts to get rid of drug lords failing: it was once a quiet and safe neighbourhood but 2020 changed all that. |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/08/voorstekraal-community-s-attempts-to-get-rid-of-drug-lords-failing |access-date=26 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=10 April 2021}}

Tik made its appearance in 1998, and the first laboratory was seized in the same year. By 2005 it had surpassed other substances consumed by drug users in the Western Cape, including Mandrax, dagga and alcohol. Production centres have shifted from South Africa to Nigeria since 2018, besides the Afghanistan–Pakistan border region, from which an Ephedra-based substance is sourced since late 2019. Tik addicts in townships who commit theft to sustain their habit, have been murdered in instances of mob justice.

The trade in heroin, ultimately obtained from Afghanistan, has gained a foothold in cities, towns and some rural areas. The heroin trade has a corrupting effect on police, through their interactions with gangs, dealers and users.{{cite web |last1= Haysom |first1=Simone |title= Heroin use is shooting up in South Africa |url=https://enactafrica.org/enact-observer/heroin-use-is-shooting-up-in-south-africa |website=enactafrica.org |publisher=ENACT Observer | date = 11 April 2019 |access-date=18 September 2019}}{{cite news |last1=Mokhoali |first1=Veronica |last2=Persens |first2=Lizell |title=Police officer among 16 arrested for possession of illicit cigarettes and drugs |url=https://ewn.co.za/2020/10/24/police-officer-among-16-arrested-for-possession-of-illicit-cigarettes-and-drugs |access-date=9 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=24 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Hyman |first1=Aron |title=Jail for corrupt Cape Town cops who took R1,000 bribe from drug dealer |url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2019-10-23-jail-for-corrupt-cape-town-cops-who-took-r1000-bribe-from-drug-dealer/ |access-date=20 May 2021 |agency=Sowetan Live |work=The Sowetan |date=23 October 2019}} Popular drug combinations that include heroin, are nyaope, sugars and unga. At least since 2011, consignments of cocaine have entered South Africa through various, often smaller, ports such as Saldanha, Mossel Bay or Knysna.{{cite news |last1= Dolley |first1=Caryn |title='King Coca' branding and other clues in huge R583m cocaine bust off Saldanha |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-03-02-king-coca-branding-and-other-clues-in-huge-r583m-cocaine-bust-off-saldanha/ |access-date=16 March 2021 |work=Daily Maverick |date=2 March 2021}} It was distributed by the 28s gang in the Cape Flats, which up to 2019 had a handler with international connections.{{cite news |last1=Cruywagen |first1=Vincent |title= Massive cocaine haul in Saldanha Bay Harbour was not the main stash, say ex-gangsters |work = Maverick Citizen |url= https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2021-03-02-massive-cocaine-haul-in-saldanha-bay-harbour-was-not-the-main-stash-say-ex-gangsters/ |access-date= 16 March 2021 |date=2 March 2021}}

Since the 1990s operatives of international drug cartels have made South Africa their home, and have carried out a slew of internecine assassinations. They are believed to launder foreign drug money, run extortion rackets, trade in illicit goods, and have succeeded in corrupting senior policemen and government officials.{{cite news |last1=Dolley |first1=Caryn |title=Hits and highs: South Africa in the crossfire of warring drug cartels |url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/national/hits-and-highs-south-africa-in-the-crossfire-of-warring-drug-cartels/ar-BB1bShxT?ocid=msedgntp |date=13 December 2020|access-date=13 December 2020 |agency=Daily Maverick 168 |publisher=MSN}} Police and investigating agencies are often sidetracked by arresting smaller cogs in the underworld machine, while the kingpins manage to fly under the radar.{{cite news |last1=Meyer |first1=Dan |title=Teddy Mafia: Cele questions how 'known gangster' operated with impunity |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/teddy-mafia-bheki-cele-gangs-drug-dealer-killed-durban-chatsworth-5-January-2021/ |access-date=17 January 2021 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=5 January 2021}}

South Africa, which allegedly has the biggest illegal tobacco trade in the world,{{cite news |last1=Ngalonkulu |first1=Melitta |title=SA has the world's biggest illegal tobacco trade: Batsa |url=https://www.moneyweb.co.za/news/south-africa/illicit-tobacco-trade-has-helped-itself-to-local-market-share/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |agency=MoneyWeb |publisher= moneyweb.co.za |date=18 August 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Boussion |first1= Mathilde |title=South Africa ends ban on cigarettes, but smuggling may stay |url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/south-africa-ends-ban-on-cigarettes-but-smuggling-may-stay/2020/08/28/32928a6c-e905-11ea-bf44-0d31c85838a5_story.html |access-date=17 March 2021 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=28 August 2020}} became a signatory to the WHO protocol against tobacco smuggling in 2013.{{cite news |title=South Africa: Govt Signs WHO Treaty Against Tobacco Smuggling |url=https://ash.org/south-africa-govt-signs-who-treaty-against-tobacco-smuggling/ |access-date=17 March 2021 |agency=AllAfrica |publisher=allafrica.com |date=14 January 2013}} Some 30% to 60%{{cite news |last1=van Walbeek |first1=Corné |last2=Filby |first2=Samantha |title=As 2024 Budget shows, SA's legal cigarette market continues to haemorrhage |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-02-28-sas-legal-cigarette-market-continues-to-haemorrhage/ |access-date=17 May 2024 |work=Defend Truth |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=28 February 2024}} of cigarettes in South Africa are smuggled (compared to 10% internationally), which deprives the country of some R8{{cite news |last1=Thamm |first1=Marianne |title=SARS gets bloody nose with tobacco CCTV camera interdict |url=https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2024-05-16-tobacco-cctv-camera-interdict-sars-gets-bloody-nose/ |access-date=17 May 2024 |work=Defend Truth |agency=Daily Maverick |publisher=dailymaverick.co.za |date=16 May 2024}} to R12 billion in annual revenue.{{cite news |last1=Vecchiatto |first1=Paul |title=Smuggled cigarettes 'will cost SA R12bn in taxes' |url= https://www.thesait.org.za/news/107949/Smuggled-cigarettes-will-cost-SA-R12bn-in-taxes.htm |access-date=17 March 2021 |agency=Business Day|location=South Africa |publisher= thesait.org.za |date=7 November 2012}}{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Shamiela |title=Up in smoke: SARS to destroy R18M worth of illegal cigarettes in CT today |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/04/09/up-in-smoke-sars-to-destroy-r18m-worth-of-illegal-cigarettes-in-ct-today |access-date=9 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=9 April 2021}} Tobacco warehouses are exempted from surveillance, and in some provinces up to three quarters of stores offer cheap, illegal cigarettes for sale.{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Shamiela |title=IPSOS: Illegal cigarettes widely available at over 4,500 stores in SA |url= https://ewn.co.za/2021/11/09/ipsos-illegal-cigarettes-widely-available-at-over-4-500-stores-in-sa |access-date=10 November 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=9 November 2021}} The contraband originates in Zimbabwe, while Namibia, Mozambique and Eswatini serve as transit routes. Smugglers consider it a softer crime than drug trafficking, with less severe punishment for offenders. Legal consignments are regularly stolen by armed gangs,{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Shamiela |title=Batsa: Armed theft of cigarettes increasing, fueling illicit trade |url=https://ewn.co.za/2021/01/27/batsa-armed-theft-of-cigarettes-increasing-fueling-illicit-trade |access-date=9 April 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=27 January 2021}} or diverted from their intended delivery destinations.{{cite news |last1=Maromo |first1=Jonisayi |title=Truck driver gets away with R20 000 fine after diverting R2.5 million truck-load of tobacco |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/truck-driver-gets-away-with-r20-000-fine-after-diverting-r25-million-truck-load-of-tobacco-ee92cce4-986d-40c2-ba46-103544075dfe |access-date=9 November 2022 |agency=IOL News |publisher=iol.co.za |date=8 November 2022}}

South Africa is a party to CITES, the aim of which is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival.{{cite web |title=South Africa as a party to the Convection on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) |url= https://www.environment.gov.za/legislation/international_agreements/sapartytocites |website=Department: Environment, Forestry & Fisheries |publisher=environment.gov.za |access-date=1 December 2020 |year=2019}} Vulnerable species in the South African context include the bush elephant, white and black rhinoceros, ground pangolin,{{cite news |last1=Gittins |first1=Megan |title=Hond gou op spoor van ietermago-stropers |url= https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/hond-gou-op-spoor-van-ietermago-stropers/ |access-date=10 May 2021 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher= maroelamedia.co.za |date=9 May 2021}} abalone, certain whale species, Encephalartos cycads and valuable succulent genera such as Conophytum.{{cite news |last1=African News Agency |title=Twee vas oor handeldryf met beskermde plante |url=https://maroelamedia.co.za/nuus/sa-nuus/twee-vas-oor-handeldryf-met-beskermde-plante/ |access-date=7 December 2020 |agency=Maroela Media |publisher=maroelamedia.co.za |date=19 October 2020}}{{cite news |last1= Bhengu |first1=Lwandile |title=10 caught in Northern Cape for possession of endangered plants worth R400K |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/10-caught-in-northern-cape-for-possession-of-endangered-plants-worth-r400k-20210110 |access-date=25 February 2021 |agency=News24 |publisher=news24.com |date=10 January 2021}}{{cite web |last1= Bolhuis |first1=Mike |title=Anti-poaching project: Succulents, South Africa's indigenous Conophytums |url= https://mailchi.mp/mikebolhuis.co.za/anti-poaching-project-succulents? |website=mikebolhuis.co.za |publisher=Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services |access-date=8 November 2021 |date=2017}} In reptile laundering, animals caught in the wild are presented as captive-bred.{{cite web |last1=Marais |first1=Johan |last2=Alexander |first2=Graham |title=50/50 Season 9 Episode 34 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4qKMmRpN8Y |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/H4qKMmRpN8Y |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|website=SABC 2 |via=YouTube |date=16 April 2019 |access-date=8 December 2020}}{{cbignore}} Trade in poached reptiles affects small adders, tortoises, lizards (Cordylus and geckos) and dwarf chameleons, which all fetch very high prices internationally. Detection dogs have been useful in locating wildlife products in luggage, and DNA analysis is employed to determine where such products originated.{{cite news |last1=Pieterse |first1= Chelsea |title=Vietnamese woman nabbed with wildlife contraband at Maputo International Airport |url= https://lowvelder.co.za/712159/vietnamese-woman-nabbed-with-wildlife-contraband-at-maputo-international-airport/ |access-date= 2 December 2020 |agency=Lowvelder/Laevelder |publisher=lowvelder.co.za |date=29 November 2020}} The identification of DNA markers that would distinguish between captive-bred and poached reptiles is in an early stage of development. The captive-bred lion industry continues to operate in a regulatory vacuum. The USFWS has however banned the import of captive lion trophies in 2016, while a 2019 ruling made the export of lion bones, traded as "tiger bones" in Asia, illegal on the grounds of animal welfare.{{cite news |last1=Welz |first1=Adam |title=If South Africa Ends Lion Breeding, What to Do With Captive Cats? |url= https://e360.yale.edu/features/south-africa-captive-lions |access-date=30 August 2023 |work=Wildlife |agency=YaleEnvironment360 |publisher= Yale School of the Environment |date=24 August 2023}}

Trade in, or vandalism of certain cultural artifacts are contraventions of the National Heritage Resources Act, and only a fraction of conserved items are inventoried. In 2008 government expressed concern about a rising number of thefts of artifacts and heritage objects from museums, galleries, castles and churches,{{cite news |last1=Memela |first1=Sandile |last2=Appalraju |first2=Premi |title=Theft of South African Artifacts and Heritage Objects |url= http://www.dac.gov.za/content/theft-south-african-artifacts-and-heritage-objects |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Department: Sports, Arts and Culture |publisher=dac.gov.za |date=21 January 2008}} but relied on incomplete statistics, starting 1990. In the five-year period from 2012 to 2016, some 2,665 pieces from altogether 30 heritage institutions were reported lost or stolen.{{cite news |last1= Stoltz |first1= Jacques |title=SA's priceless heritage stolen: 10 cases worth R15m unsolved |url= https://www.news24.com/news24/travel/our-priceless-heritage-is-being-stolen-or-destroyed-20170924 |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency= City Press|location=South Africa |publisher=news24.com |date=24 September 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Hlalethwa |first1=Zaza |title= Here today, gone tomorrow: A brief look at art thefts in South Africa |url=https://www.news24.com/arts/culture/here-today-gone-tomorrow-a-brief-look-at-art-thefts-in-south-africa-20201103 |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=News24: Arts24 |publisher=news24.com |date= 3 November 2020}} Due to their age and rarity, heritage items may fetch high prices, but are completely non-renewable.{{cite news |last1=King |first1=Sara-Jayne | last2 = Martin | first2 = Ron |title= Man due in court over theft of 'irreplaceable' San cave art |url= https://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/409654/man-due-in-court-over-theft-of-irreplaceable-san-cave-art |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency= Cape Talk 567 AM |publisher= capetalk.co.za |date=24 February 2021}}

Many military artifacts from the early 20th century have been stolen, including invaluable ceremonial daggers, swords and medals, which could be traded anywhere in the world. The Groot Constantia Manor House and Museum, an estate dating from 1685, was burgled in 2012, and thieves made off with over 20 items worth some R50 million, though 10 pieces were soon recovered. Among the porcelain items were a 300 year old vase, mid 17th-century Japanese Arita porcelain and a pair of 17th century Chinese vases.{{cite news |last1=Xolani |first1=Koyana |title=Constantia museum antiques recovered |url= https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/constantia-museum-antiques-recovered-1303782 |access-date=26 February 2021 |work=Cape Times |location=South Africa |date=24 May 2012}} It was reportedly the third heist by a suspected international syndicate that targeted valuable Asian porcelain pieces in museums.{{cite news |last1=September |first1=Chanel |title=Few pieces recovered from R50m art heist |url=https://ewn.co.za/2012/05/24/Few-pieces-recovered-after-R50m-art-heist |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Eyewitness News |publisher=ewn.co.za |date=24 May 2012}} In 2016 various pieces of gold jewelry from the Thulamela archeological site, on loan from Ditsong Museums, were stolen from the museum in Skukuza.{{cite web |title= Thulamela Gold Theft |url= https://sahris.sahra.org.za/cases/thulamela-gold-theft |website=SAHRIS |access-date=26 February 2021 |date=11 September 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Dias |first1=Tereasa |title=No breakthrough in Thulamela artefact theft |url= https://lowvelder.co.za/428381/no-breakthrough-thulamela-artefact-theft/ |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=Lowvelder |publisher=lowvelder.co.za |date=7 April 2018}} Heritage experts were outraged, and expressed concerns about Mapungubwe artifacts displayed at the Mapungubwe Interpretation Centre, which are on loan from Pretoria University.{{cite news |last1=Stoltz |first1=Jacques |title=Thulamela: SA's gold heritage stolen |url=https://www.news24.com/news24/travel/one-of-sas-most-invaluable-heritage-gold-collections-has-been-stolen-20170924 |access-date=26 February 2021 |agency=City Press|location=South Africa |publisher=news24.com|date=24 September 2017}} Various institutions and museums have subsequently cut back on the simultaneous display of heritage items.

Fifteen landward sub-units of the SANDF are deployed on the borders with Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Mozambique, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia to safeguard these against transnational crime, international crime syndicates and cartels, the illegal flow of undocumented migrants and illicit economic activities. In July 2022 the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) launched the Border Management Authority (BMA) which aims to place border security functions of four government departments and the SAPS under one central command.{{cite news |title=Aaron Motsoaledi leads the first deployment of the newly formed Border Management Authority |url= https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/initial-deployment-of-first-border-guard-cohort-this-week/ |access-date=11 August 2022 |work= Border Security |agency= defenceWeb |publisher=defenceweb.co.za |date=12 July 2022}}

Deportations of illegal immigrants at the Beitbridge border post were said to be a waste of money and a vicious circle due to the amount of bribery engaged in (R500 per illegal immigrant) by police guards and border officials.{{cite news |last1=Sadike |first1=Mashudu |title=Beitbridge anti-immigration efforts hit by bribery claims |url = https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/pretoria-news/20220112/281513639509812 | access-date=31 March 2022 |agency=Pretoria News |date=12 January 2022}} Additional roadblocks have been effective in stopping many who bribed their way through the first checkpoints. People smuggling of illegal South Asian immigrants is much more lucrative however, as airport officials and ground crews have conspired to form syndicates that net R60,000 per client.{{cite news |last1=Tshikalange |first1=Shonisani |title=R60,000 for each person smuggled into SA: Immigration officer bust at Joburg airport |url= https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2022-04-14-r60000-for-each-person-smuggled-into-sa-immigration-officer-bust-at-joburg-airport/ |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=Sunday Times |publisher=timeslive.co.za |date=14 April 2022}} Home Affairs subsequently warned South Africans not to sell their identities to illegal immigrants.{{cite news |last1= Naile |first1=Siso |title=Corrupt Home Affairs official arrested for Lebogang from Bangladesh fraud |url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/corrupt-home-affairs-official-arrested-for-lebogang-from-bangladesh-fraud/ |access-date=20 June 2022 |agency=The South African |publisher=thesouthafrican.com |date=2022-06-20}} According to A21 and the Trafficking in Persons Report, South Africa has become an important source, transit as well as destination country for human trafficking, with large sections of its population being vulnerable to its depredations.{{cite news |last1=Ryklief |first1=Shifaan |title=Human Trafficking: Biggest arrests in South Africa |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/human-trafficking-biggest-arrests-in-south-africa-7db7786a-bb2e-43ff-bcec-504e305aa56e |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=7 December 2020}}{{cite news |last1=Hosken |first1=Graeme |title=Human trafficking a 'huge problem' in SA |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/human-trafficking-a-huge-problem-in-sa-317918 |access-date=2 May 2022 |agency=IOL |publisher=iol.co.za |date=7 March 2007}}

{{expand section|date=December 2023}}

{{excerpt|Organised crime in Nigeria|South Africa}}

file:Neighbourhood Watch Sign, Combat Force (South Africa).jpg sign on the Cape Peninsula]]

Gated communities are popular with the South African middle-class; Black as well as White. Gated communities are usually protected by high perimeter walls topped with electric fencing, guard dogs, barred doors and windows and alarm systems linked to private security forces. The Gauteng Rationalisation of Local Government Affairs Act 10 of 1998, allows communities to "restrict" access to public roads in existing suburbs, under the supervision of the municipalities. The law requires that entry control measures within these communities should not deny anyone access. The Tshwane municipality failed to process many of the applications it has received, leaving many suburbs exposed to high levels of crime. Several communities successfully sued, won and are now legally restricting access.[http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/residents_to_appeal_to_court Constantia Glen goes to court] {{webarchive|url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130522221831/http://www.iolproperty.co.za/roller/news/entry/residents_to_appeal_to_court |date=22 May 2013 }}. Retrieved 5 November 2012.[http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/lynnwood-manor-will-be-like-fort-knox-1.377328 Lynnwood Manor won court case] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714180454/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/lynnwood-manor-will-be-like-fort-knox-1.377328 |date=14 July 2014 }}. Retrieved 5 November 2012.[http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/suburb-wins-access-ruling-1.411255?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot Brunaly won court case] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714165648/http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/suburb-wins-access-ruling-1.411255?ot=inmsa.ArticlePrintPageLayout.ot |date=14 July 2014 }}. Retrieved 5 November 2012. These measures are generally considered effective in reducing local crime.[https://archive.today/20130117195821/http://www.beeld.com/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Beheer-van-toegang-laat-misdaad-daal-wys-statistieke-20100617 Gated communities are effective]. Retrieved 5 November 2012. Consequently, the number of enclosed neighbourhoods (i.e. existing neighbourhoods with controlled access to existing roads)[http://www.csir.co.za/Built_environment/Planning_support_systems/gatedcomsa/docs/enclneighb_sa8.pdf An Overview Of Enclosed Neighbourhoods In South Africa] {{webarchive| url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120404102045/http://www.csir.co.za/Built_environment/Planning_support_systems/gatedcomsa/docs/enclneighb_sa8.pdf |date=4 April 2012}} in Gauteng has continued to grow.[http://www.csir.co.za/Built_environment/Planning_support_systems/gatedcomsa/docs/review_policies.pdf GATED COMMUNITIES IN SOUTH AFRICA: A review of the relevant policies and their implications] {{webarchive |url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120131221342/http://www.csir.co.za/Built_environment/Planning_support_systems/gatedcomsa/docs/review_policies.pdf |date=31 January 2012}}. Retrieved 5 November 2012.

{{main|Private security industry in South Africa}}

The SAPS is responsible for managing 1,123 police stations across South Africa,{{Cite web |title=About Us {{!}} SAPS (South African Police Service) |url=https://www.saps.gov.za/about/tbvc_info.php |access-date=21 September 2020 |website=www.saps.gov.za}} and as of 2020 had 187,000 service members (down from 192,000 in 2019).{{Cite web |title= Here's how much money police officers earn in South Africa |url=https://businesstech.co.za/news/trending/450157/heres-how-much-money-police-officers-earn-in-south-africa-2/ |access-date=29 January 2021 |language=en-US}} By contrast South Africa had 450,000 private security guards in 2020 (and 470,000 in 2021), besides 1.5 million qualified "but inactive" private security personnel. The SAPS has a strained relationship with private security companies, and warned them in 2021 that they must adhere to the law.{{cite news |last1=Bateman |first1=Barry |title=SAPS warn security companies |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bo8uc5-t8NM |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211219/bo8uc5-t8NM |archive-date=2021-12-19 |url-status=live|access-date=28 February 2021 |agency=ENCA |publisher=DStv403 |date=27 February 2021}}{{cbignore}} Vetting of security guards was highlighted in 2021 when 182 guards appointed in 2018 by the city of Johannesburg were found to have former convictions for murder, rape, assault or theft.{{cite news |last1=Mabena |first1=Sipho |title=Joburg's insourced guards included rapists, thieves and murderers |url=https://citizen.co.za/news/2478861/joburgs-insourced-guards-included-rapists-thieves-and-murderers/ |access-date=23 April 2021 |work=The Citizen |location=South Africa |date=23 April 2021}}

To protect themselves and their assets, many businesses and middle-to-high-income households make use of privately owned security companies with armed security guards. The SAPS employ private security companies to patrol and safeguard certain police stations, thereby freeing fully trained police officers to perform their core function of preventing and fighting crime.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070312145129/http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/crime1justice/0%2C2172%2C145163%2C00.html Cops spend R100m on private security protection], SABC News, 10 March 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2007. A December 2008 BBC documentary, Law and Disorder in Johannesburg, examined such firms in the Johannesburg area, including the Bad Boyz security company.

It is argued that the police response is generally too slow and unreliable in South Africa, thus private security companies offer a more efficient form of protection. Private security firms promise response times of two to three minutes.{{cite news |url= http://www.economist.com/node/14564621 |title=Crime in South Africa: It won't go away |newspaper=The Economist|access-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324183002/http://www.economist.com/node/14564621|archive-date=24 March 2015 }} Many levels of protection are offered, from suburban foot patrols to complete security checkpoints at entry points to homes.

The government has been criticised for doing too little to stop crime. Provincial legislators have stated that a lack of sufficient equipment has resulted in an ineffective and demoralised SAPS.{{cite web |url=http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0,,2-7-1442_1986525,00.html |title=News24, South Africa's premier news source, provides breaking news on national, world, Africa, sport, entertainment, technology & more. |work=News24 |access-date=18 March 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080606044953/http://www.news24.com/News24/South_Africa/News/0%2C%2C2-7-1442_1986525%2C00.html |archive-date=6 June 2008 }} The Government was subject to particular criticism at the time of the Minister of Safety and Security visit to Burundi, for the purpose of promoting peace and democracy, at a time of heightened crime in Gauteng. This spate included the murder of a significant number of people, including members of the SAPS, killed while on duty.{{cite web|author=Independent Newspapers Online |url=http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=13&art_id=qw1152097740656B265 |title=DA challenge on Burundi |work=Independent Online|location=South Africa |date=5 July 2006 |access-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100821113237/http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 |archive-date=21 August 2010 }} The criticism was followed by a ministerial announcement that the government would focus its efforts on mitigating the causes for the increase in crime by 30 December 2006. In one province alone, 19 police officers lost their lives in the first seven months of 2006.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}

In 2004, the government had a widely publicised gun amnesty program to reduce the number of weapons in private hands, resulting in 80,000 firearms being handed over.{{Cite web |url=https://ewn.co.za/2018/07/24/parliament-to-formally-consider-gun-amnesty |title=Parliament to formally consider gun amnesty |last=Ndenze |first=Babalo |website=ewn.co.za |language=en |access-date=19 July 2019}} In 1996 or 1997, the government has tried and failed to adopt the National Crime Prevention Strategy, which aimed to prevent crime through reinforcing community structures and assisting individuals to get back into work.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipt.co.za/crimeprevention.asp |title=Independent Projects Trust: Crime prevention projects |publisher=Ipt.co.za |access-date=15 May 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110816013443/http://www.ipt.co.za/crimeprevention.asp |archive-date=16 August 2011 }}

A former Minister of Safety and Security, Charles Nqakula, evoked public outcry in June 2006 when he responded to opposition MPs in parliament who were not satisfied that enough was being done to counter crime, suggesting that MPs who complain about the country's crime rate should stop complaining and leave the country.{{cite news |url=http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=460&fArticleId=3274298 |title=Fight or flight? |date=2 June 2006 |access-date=19 February 2025 |newspaper=Cape Argus |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221062315/http://www.capeargus.co.za/index.php?fSectionId=460&fArticleId=3274298 |archive-date=21 February 2007 |url-status=dead}} In November 2020, in response to the SAPS's poor logistics management, parliament's chairwoman for the portfolio committee on police, Tina Joemat-Pettersson, expressed the opinion that the country was only reacting to crime, without being proactive. Most emigrants from South Africa state that crime was a big factor in their decision to leave.{{cite web |url=https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sas-woes-spark-another-exodus-296516 |title=SA's woes spark another exodus |work=Independent Online |location=South Africa |date=6 October 2006 |access-date=19 February 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240616180254/https://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/sas-woes-spark-another-exodus-296516 |archive-date=16 June 2024 }}{{Cite web |title=Young South Africans explain why they want to leave the country |url= https://businesstech.co.za/news/lifestyle/313990/young-south-africans-explain-why-they-want-to-leave-the-country/|access-date=23 June 2020 |language=en-US}}

• Crime Expo South Africa

{{Reflist|30em}}

• {{commons category-inline}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070427114614/http://www.iss.org.za/ Institute for Security Studies] – A regional research institute operating across sub-Saharan Africa.{{dead link|date=May 2016}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050625020601/http://www.whitecollarcrime.co.za/ WhiteCollarCrime.co.za] – An initiative of Business Against Crime to help people understand and recognise white collar crime and to teach about its prevention.{{dead link|date=May 2016}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100905205005/http://www.saps.gov.za/statistics/reports/crimestats/2010/crime_stats.htm SAPS Crime Statistics 2010] – Crime statistics by year and category provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS).{{dead link|date=May 2016}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20080526062842/http://196.15.148.231:8081/ka-map/ Interactive Crime Map] – Crime and Economic Statistics by year and category on a geographic, interactive map provided by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention (CJCP).{{dead link|date=May 2016}}
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100827090559/http://southafricancrimemap.crowdmap.com/ South African Crime Map]– South African Crime Map (Crowd Sourcing)

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