A Closer Look at Violence in South Africa - What Does the Data Say?

From A View From The Cave Sun Feb 24 2013, 14:00:00

Media are scrambling to cover the story of South African Olympian Oscar Pistorius killing his girlfriend Reeve Steenkamp on Valentine's Day. Stories include the latest details about the trial. Many have also mentioned that Pistorius was a bit of a gun enthusiast who was also fearful for his own safety. It sets up a story of an athlete living in a country that is characterized by violence.

Pistorius has maintained that he mistook his girlfriend for an intruder and shot her in the bathroom out of fear and in an act of self-defense. Outlets have pointed to a tweet by Pistorius in November when he thought that there was an intruder in his home.

And there are mentions of a New York Times article from early 2012 that features an anecdote where Pistorius grabbed his gun after his security alarm went off by accident one night. The author of the story then related joining Pistorius at the firing range with his 9-milimeter handgun. While facts that do relate to Pistorius's past, some are saying that the structure of some reports are working to excuse Pistorius.

[view whole blog post ]
 See More    |     Report Abuse


You might also be interested in the following news stories:

Ethiopia:  Power Restored in Ethiopia (news)
allAfrica.com
29 Mars 2024

The power cut affecting Ethiopia "except Bahir Dar and surroundings" is over, the Ethiopian Electric Power announced. "Due to a problem in our system, the power has been interrupted," their statement ... [read more]

Kenya:  Kenya Forms Avocado Taskforce to Tackle Sector Challenges (news)
Business Day Africa
29 Mars 2024

Kenya has formed an avocado taskforce committee comprising exporters, farmers, shippers, and aggregators aimed at addressing pertinent issues within the sector, with a deadline of 30 days to propose ... [read more]

Somalia:  Constitutional Proposals Put Children At Risk (press release)
Human Rights Watch
29 Mars 2024

Amendments Could Weaken Restrictions on Child Marriage, FGM Somalia's parliament should reject any proposed constitutional amendments that would weaken rights protections for children, Human Rights ... [read more]



blogAfrica is allAfrica.com's platform to help you keep an ear on the African blogosphere. We draw diverse voices from around the world who post regularly and insightfully about African issues. Bloggers, submit your blog's rss-feed!