The high incidence of violent crime springs from poverty and the large number of men who feel marginalised.
A preliminary report on the causes of violent crime, commissioned by the government and compiled by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, cites poverty and "acquaintance violence" between people who know each other as the largest contributing factors to crime.
Acquaintance violence between men should be given more attention if crime is to be curbed, the report said.
"High levels of inequality contribute to undermining self-confidence and self- respect," said David Bruce, a researcher for the centre.
Severe unemployment and poverty create conditions in which crime festers , and violence has become an accepted way of interacting , the report said. The situation is aggravated by poor parenting, drunkenness, and the availability of guns and knives.
CSVR is a multi-disciplinary institute that seeks to understand and prevent violence, heal its effects and build sustainable peace at the community, national and regional levels.
