why is there such a high crime rate in south africa?

Answer 1

There is no single satisfactory answer to this question, but rather a number of explanations which help to explain the high levels of crime plaguing the country.

Here are a few "explanations":
1. The violent past (history) of SA.
2. Transition from Apartheid to freedom.
3. A violent culture.
4. Proliferation of firearms.
5. Organised crime syndicates.
6. Youthful population.
7. Rapid urbanisation.
8. A weak criminal justice system.