Posted on 09/27/2006 6:37:41 PM PDT by blam
'Friendly Fire' an Epidemic in S. Africa
Thursday September 28, 2006 2:01 AM
By CELEAN JACOBSON
Associated Press Writer
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) - South Africans are killing relatives and acquaintances at an alarming rate, police said Wednesday, acknowledging traditional methods for battling crime do little to stem the tide.
According to an annual police report on crime, nearly 50 people killed every day across the country - a figure that will likely add to South Africa's reputation as a violent society.
The government is desperate to counter the country's violent image, especially in the run-up to the soccer World Cup in 2010, and point out that murder is at its lowest level for five years.
Yet, the report said the number of murders over the year totaled 18,528, and four of every five victims knew their attackers.
Rapes totaled a staggering 54,926. There was little decrease in the number of murder and rapes.
``These crimes are committed behind closed doors, in secluded spots,'' said Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
The intelligent have left.
Yes we have.
I was a participant from NH in the 1999 Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. There were some of South Africa's finest artists and musicians there along with the same from Romania. We all had a great time together for two weeks.
I really enjoyed the South African folks. They were friendly, happy and VERY talented. I feel very sorry for them that their country has turned into what it is.
Were you from SA?
Channel surfing tonight, I saw the end of a tourism ad for SA on The History Channel.
Johannesburg
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