Studies that provide accurate
descriptions of the occurrence of fatal strangulation events are limited, both
in South Africa and elsewhere in the world.
The current study describes the
extent and distribution of female and male homicidal strangulation in the City
of Johannesburg for the period 2001-2010. The study is a register-based cross
sectional study of homicidal strangulation that draws on data recorded by the
National Injury Mortality Surveillance System. Crude, unadjusted strangulation
rates, and proportions of strangulation across specific circumstances of
occurrence were computed for each year and aggregated in some instances.
Results indicated fatal strangulation to be the fourth leading cause of homicide in
the City of Johannesburg. A total of 334 strangulation homicides were recorded,
representing an average annual strangulation homicide rate
of 0.90 per 100,000 population.
Gender disproportionality in victimisation was
reflected in the average annual rate of 1.03 per 100,000 population for females
and 0.74 per 100,000 population for males. The highest rates were recorded
among the elderly, and amongst coloured females and white males. Temporal and
spatial descriptions indicated that victims were strangled primarily during the
day, over the weekday period, and in private locations. When the scene of death
was considered by race and age group, results indicated the victimisation of
white females and males in private places, and the elderly in private settings.
The majority of strangulation victims tested negative for alcohol.
The results
highlight the need for multi-level prevention strategies that target specific
risk groups and situations.
Below: Distribution of homicide by sex and external cause of death, City of Johannesburg, 2001–2010
Below: Distribution of homicidal strangulation by sex and time of day, City of Johannesburg, 2001–2010
Below: Distribution of homicidal strangulation by sex and day of week, City of Johannesburg, 2001–2010
Below: Distribution of homicidal strangulation by sex and month of year, City of Johannesburg, 2001–2010
Below: Distribution of homicidal strangulation by sex and scene of injury, City of Johannesburg, 2001–2010
- 1South African Medical Research Council-University of South Africa Violence, Injury and Peace Research Unit, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa. Electronic address: ssuffla@mrc.ac.za.
- 2South African Medical Research Council-University of South Africa Violence, Injury and Peace Research Unit, P.O. Box 19070, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa; Institute for Social and Health Sciences, University of South Africa, P.O. Box 1087, Lenasia, 1820, South Africa. Electronic address: Seedama@unisa.ac.za.
- J Forensic Leg Med. 2016 Jan;37:97-107. doi: 10.1016/j.jflm.2015.11.005. Epub 2015 Dec 1.
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