Publication

In 2003, the Institute for Security Studies undertook the second national victims of crime survey in South Africa. Feelings of safety have declined markedly since 1998: the number feeling very unsafe at night more than doubled from 25% in 1998 to 58% in 2003. The survey also sought to gather information on public perceptions about crime, the fear of crime, and attitudes towards the police and courts, as well as non-state forms of policing and protection. Perceptions about crime are as important as the reality, and - as the public reaction to the moratorium has all too clearly illustrated - need to be managed by the police and political leadership with as much dedication as the level of crime.