Namibia has experienced notable shifts in both press freedom and crime rates in recent years. In the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, Namibia's ranking declined from 22nd to 34th out of 180 countries.
In the mid of the year 2024, Windhoek, the capital city, ranked as the seventh highest city in Africa for crime, with a crime index of 67.6 according to Numbeo.
Factors contributing to this surge in crime include high unemployment rates, corruption, mismanagement of government resources, and poor leadership. These socio-economic challenges have exacerbated criminal activities, posing significant concerns for the country's stability and development.
A recent report from the Numbeo Crime Index sheds light on the state of crime across African nations, revealing that socio-economic disparities, rapid urbanization, and inadequate governance are among the primary drivers of criminal activity.
South Africa tops the list as Africa's most crime-affected country, with a crime index score of 74.7, making it 5th globally. The country struggles with high rates of violent crimes, including homicides, robberies, and assaults. Factors such as unemployment, poverty, and limited law enforcement resources exacerbate the situation, leaving many South Africans feeling unsafe despite efforts like community policing and social programs.
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| South Africa violence |
Nigeria, ranked 11th globally with a score of 66.6, grapples with organized crime, kidnappings, and armed robberies. These issues are compounded by economic instability and security challenges in several regions of the country.
Angola, placed 13th globally with a crime index score of 66.3, faces a prevalence of violent and property crimes, particularly in its urban centers. The rapid pace of urbanization has outpaced the government's ability to provide necessary public services, creating fertile ground for criminal activities.
See the list of the top 10 countries with highest crime rate early 2025
| Rank | Country | Crime Index | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 74.7 | 5th |
| 2 | Nigeria | 66.6 | 11th |
| 3 | Angola | 66.3 | 13th |
| 4 | Cameroon | 65.5 | 14th |
| 5 | Somalia | 63.9 | 17th |
| 6 | Namibia | 63.5 | 19th |
| 7 | Zimbabwe | 60.7 | 25th |
| 8 | Mozambique | 60.1 | 28th |
| 9 | Ivory Coast | 56.4 | 35th |
| 10 | Libya | 56.4 | 36th |
While individual countries have launched initiatives to tackle these issues, a coordinated regional approach may be required to create long-lasting change.