World’s Most Dangerous Cities Ranked, South African Cities Dominate Top Positions.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Cities in the World
Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Crime index: 82.0
Estimated homicide rate: 45 per 100,000
This city ranks first globally due to high levels of violent crime, armed robbery, and murder.
Pretoria, South Africa
Crime index: 81.8
Estimated homicide rate: 38 per 100,000
Violent crime and carjackings remain persistent across multiple districts.
Caracas, Venezuela
Crime index: 81.5
Estimated homicide rate: 100 per 100,000
Economic collapse and armed gangs continue to drive extreme violence.
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea
Crime index: 81.2
Estimated homicide rate: 54 per 100,000
Gang violence and weak law enforcement contribute to instability.
Johannesburg, South Africa
Crime index: 80.8
Estimated homicide rate: 41 per 100,000
South Africa’s largest city faces serious issues with armed robbery, murder, and organized crime.
Durban, South Africa
Crime index: 80.6
Estimated homicide rate: 44 per 100,000
Gang violence and port related crime play a major role.
San Pedro Sula, Honduras
Crime index: 79.7
Estimated homicide rate: 42 per 100,000
Long standing gang activity keeps violence levels high.
Gqeberha, South Africa
Crime index: 78.1
Estimated homicide rate: 37 per 100,000
Violent crime remains widespread across residential and business areas.
Memphis, United States
Crime index: 77.4
Estimated homicide rate: 58 per 100,000
Gun violence and organized crime drive the city’s high ranking.
Salvador, Brazil
Crime index: 76.7
Estimated homicide rate: 47 per 100,000
Drug related violence continues to impact public safety.
South African Cities Under the Spotlight
South Africa stands out with five cities in the global top 10. This is the highest number from any single country.
Cape Town deserves special mention. It ranks outside the top 10 on the crime index but remains one of the deadliest cities by murder rate.
Cape Town, South Africa
Estimated homicide rate: 66 per 100,000
This places it among the highest murder rates recorded globally.
National Context
South Africa recorded more than 26,000 murders in the most recent annual reporting period. That equals over 70 killings per day. Illegal firearms, gang activity, and slow court processes remain key drivers.
What the Numbers Mean for You
Homicide rates above 20 per 100,000 are considered very high globally. Rates above 40 signal extreme danger. Many cities on this list exceed that threshold by a wide margin.
Crime levels vary within cities. Some areas remain relatively safe. Others face daily violence.
These rankings highlight urgent public safety challenges. They also show where targeted policing and social investment are most needed.
