This article comes from Justin from the organisation called Stop Crime … Say Hello. I does make you think.
Crime is not generally the subject of good news stories. I mean hard as one may try it is really quite tricky to make it light and entertaining.
But just for a moment or two, pop the Samsonite back in the cupboard, place the Qantas tickets in the dresser and put your feet up.
We have spoken on many an occasion of the fact that violent crime in South Africa (or certainly a very high percentage of it), occurs between people who know each other. Rowing spouses, drunken siblings, jilted lovers, angry teenagers, disgruntled staff, unhappy colleagues. Murders between people who know each other account for 82% of all our countries murders. Only 18% of our nation’s murders happen as a result of hijacking, or broadly speaking, ‘robbery’.
So, here’s the good news. If we live in peace, good-will, charity, fairness, generosity and in a way that resolves conflict speedily and satisfactorily with our staff, family and those we know, we have roughly a 0.007% chance of being murdered in a ’ random’ attack by a stranger.
Let’s put this in context so we can appreciate comparatively how small our chances are of being murdered:
- You are 300 times more likely to die in a car accident
- You are 15000 times more likely to die of smoking related disorders (if you smoke)
But get this….you are over twice as likely to commit suicide.
So much rather stop smoking than emigrate – we are safer living here than puffing in Perth – if we live right.
Cheers
Justin
For more on how to get involved go to www.sayhello.co.za
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