Firearms caused most unnatural deaths

2003-04-29 20:12

Johannesburg - The Medical Research Council said on Tuesday that firearms were the leading cause of unnatural deaths in South Africa in 2001.

The MRC is to release its third report on the National Injury Mortality Surveillance System (NIMSS) on Wednesday.

Data were collected from 32 mortuaries in six provinces.

"Firearms accounted for 28% of all non-natural deaths recorded by the NIMSS, more than road traffic collisions, which accounted for 26% of the deaths," Richard Matzopoulos of the council's crime, violence and injury programme said.

"Firearms were also the single leading cause of non-natural death for all ages from 15 to 65 years."

He said that Johannesburg recorded almost 35% the national total of firearm-related deaths.

Experts in the field of violence, crime and injury are to discuss the report at the presentation.

- SAPA