Crime, from minor thefts to organized crime syndicates, has far-reaching consequences for governments. In mid-2024, South Africa has the highest crime index in Africa.
Criminal conduct has far-reaching consequences, ranging from simple thefts to major crime groups. Crime not only destroys social order, but it also stifles economic progress, disturbs peace, and erodes public trust in governance and judicial systems.
However, the prevalence of crime and the types of crimes that occur varies greatly depending on location. Some African countries, for example, have a number of particular issues, complicating the situation.
These difficulties, combined with poverty and economic inequality, create conditions in which people may resort to illegal activity as a form of survival.
An updated crime index by Numbeo reveals that, based on country, South Africa has the highest crime index mid-2024 with a score of 74.8.
It’s not unexpected, given that six of the top ten cities with the highest crime index in mid-2024 are in the country.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populated country, has the continent’s highest crime rate, scoring 66.7. Angola ranks third with a score of 66.1.
| Rank | Country | Crime index |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 74.8 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 66.7 |
| 3 | Angola | 66.1 |
| 4 | Somalia | 65.9 |
| 5 | Cameroon | 64.9 |
| 6 | Namibia | 63.7 |
| 7 | Mozambique | 63.6 |
| 8 | Zimbabwe | 60.8 |
| 9 | Ivory Coast | 57.3 |
| 10 | Kenya | 55.9 |