Diseases, not crime, claim most lives as Stats SA reveals 2022 death data

PRETORIA — 10 September 2025

Most South Africans died from preventable illnesses rather than violent crime, newly released 2022 mortality data confirms. Statistics South Africa’s report shows diabetes and hypertension topped the list of natural causes as COVID-19 fatalities decreased significantly from 2020-2021 peaks.

The agency recorded 486,041 deaths last year – a 22% drop from 2021. Natural causes accounted for 421,466 deaths compared to 64,575 unnatural deaths – ten times more natural fatalities than violent and accidental deaths combined.

Diabetes claimed 32,863 lives followed closely by hypertension at 31,230. Other leading natural killers included cerebrovascular diseases (28,819 deaths), HIV (20,784), tuberculosis (20,372) and influenza/pneumonia (19,705).

Stats SA cautioned that unnatural death figures remain unclear, noting. “several deaths are listed under ‘unspecified’ causes”. Accidental injuries accounted for most unnatural deaths (23,568 unspecified and 12,018 mechanical), while violent assaults caused 5,816 fatalities.

The data indicates a return to pre-pandemic patterns but highlights ongoing health challenges. Tuberculosis, influenza and pneumonia remain leading causes despite being preventable diseases.

“Stats SA can only account for crimes reported to the SAPS,” the agency noted regarding unnatural death classifications. Transport accidents (4,590) and threats to breathing (5,769) featured prominently in the unnatural deaths list.