Answer to Question #211858 in English for Sabie

Question

Discuss the three causes and three effects of crime in South Africa. Write a research based essay.

Answer 1

Crime is the intentional commission of an act usually deemed socially harmful or dangerous and specially defined, prohibited, and punishable under law. Crime in South Africa includes all violent crimes that takes place within its jurisdiction. Crime levels in the country have been attributed to poverty, problems with delivery of public services and wealth disparity. According to Global Peace Index, South Africa has been ranked the tenth most unsafe place in the world.

The various factors that have contributed to the high levels of crime within the county. These include;

• Alcohol and drug abuse which is a major contributing factor to crimes such as murder, assault and rape.
• The high levels of inequality, poverty, unemployment social exclusion and marginalization have led to increased crime rates.
• Normalization of violence. Violence is viewed by many citizens as a justifiable and necessary means of conflict resolution.

The crime levels in the country is affecting the county in the following ways;

• Loss of business. South Africa's perception as a nation infested with violent crime has made many investors to shy away from investing in the country.
• Increased cost of law enforcement. The country needs a bigger police force in order to prevent crimes from happening. The number of judges and courts also have to be increased because more cases related to crime have to be tried.
• Reduced tourism demand. The negative image on the country due to the violent crimes had led to a decline in the number of tourists.

In conclusion, crime in South Africa costs the county a lot of money. It is actually dragging down the entire economy.