Criminologist Professor Oscar Magadze says South Africa (SA) is fighting a losing battle against persistent violent crime.

His comments follow a deadly mass shooting that claimed nine lives at a tavern in Bekkersdal, near Johannesburg, Gauteng Province.

Magadze has also raised concerns about the role of some community members, saying residents often place blame solely on police officers while overlooking their own responsibility, particularly when perpetrators are known within the community and in some cases live alongside them.

He further questioned security measures at liquor trading premises, noting that many taverns lack adequate security controls to manage conflicts and protect patrons, increasing the risk of violent incidents.

–SABC–