The recent police statistics again show how the well-off and business control the crime agenda, while street robberies are a much bigger problem.
On the day of release, the crime stats were at least six months out of date, meaning the current crime situation could be very different.
The crimes that are most preventable by police increased sharply last year. And the good news on rape is probably not good news at all.
National police commissioner Riah Phiyega is concerned by the increase in murder, attempted murder and robbery.
We should look back at our recent history if we want to understand the extent of violence and crime in South Africa, writes Chandre Gould.