60% of Crimes Against South Africa’s Women Committed by Spouses

Stats SA’s crime report has revealed that spouses, friends, acquaintances, and other relatives commit 60% of crimes against women in the country.

Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke released the report in Pretoria and said that, unlike men, women are often targeted in places where they should feel safe. The report also indicates that knives were the most commonly used weapon in assaults against women last year, followed by firearms.

House break-ins and personal property theft are still the country’s most common crimes. Over 2.6 million households in the country reported incidents of housebreakings in the past year.