Tackling the High Crime Rates in Africa – A Multi-Layered Answer to a Complicated Question

Africa is a continent blessed with an abundance of natural resources and incredible natural beauty. However, these blessings are mixed, and often shadowed by fear, as crime rates in Africa are critical. Unfortunately, Muggings, assaults, kidnappings, burglaries and other violent crimes are all real threats in most major African cities.

Increasing Levels of Crime

Despite boasting one of the fastest growing economies, Nigeria still features at the top of the global crime rate list, along with other African states like Kenya, Liberia and South Africa. In all these countries, the crime rate is not only high, it is increasing annually. Statistics by the Liberian National Police show that Liberia experienced its highest ever crime rate in April 2017, and carjacking in South Africa has increased by 14.9% this year. According to data collected between 2012 and 2014 by the UN Office on Drugs & Crime 37 of the 100 countries with the highest murder rate in the world, are in Africa. These worrying facts raise multiple questions about the causes of violence and what can be done to lower crime rates; questions that have no simple answer.

Despite boasting one of the fastest growing economies, Nigeria still features at the top of the global crime rate list, along with other African states like Kenya, Liberia and South Africa. In all these countries, the crime rate is not only high, it is increasing annually. Statistics by the Liberian National Police show that Liberia experienced its highest ever crime rate in April 2017, and carjacking in South Africa has increased by 14.9% this year. According to data collected between 2012 and 2014 by the UN Office on Drugs & Crime 37 of the 100 countries with the highest murder rate in the world, are in Africa. These worrying facts raise multiple questions about the causes of violence and what can be done to lower crime rates; questions that have no simple answer.

Comprehensive Security Services Coupled with Social Upliftment

Providing a safe environment for all is a long and complicated process, especially if one seeks to offer a sustainable solution. It requires a broad and profound approach that takes social, cultural and economic issues into account. However, in the short term, the reality in Africa is that advanced security measures are not a luxury, but a necessity.

At EMI Systems Ltd., we answer our clients’ basic and immediate safety needs by providing a range of security packages that combine high-end products such as advance scanning systems, bulletproof cars and security doors, with personalized services such as armed patrols for private and public locations, personal security details, and rapid response units. At the same time, via the Mesika Brothers Foundation, EMI Systems supports two local orphanages and runs free tech-education and leadership programs for youth. These programs are designed to help participants acquire tools that will enable them to build a future of professional fulfilment and economic independence for themselves, potentially steering them away from crime on the one hand and danger on the other.

Africa is a continent of beauty and danger, potential and risk. EMI Systems‘ role as a leading security provider is to minimize the dangers, support the beauty and increase potential wherever and in whatever way we can.