Reflections on trauma and violence-related deaths in Soweto, July 1990-June 1991

This is a retrospective analysis of 5,600 deaths registered in Soweto from July 1990 to June 1991. The impact of trauma and violence on the overall mortality pattern was assessed. The majority of deaths occurred in people under the age of 50 years and more men died than women. In 40% of male deaths, the cause was stated as 'ill-defined' or 'unknown'; this was the case in an even higher percentage of female deaths (50.5%). Trauma or violence accounted for 28.5% of all deaths. The gender difference was particularly visible in the trauma category, viz. 89.5% and 10.5% in men and women respectively. Young men (20-29 years) were particularly affected by trauma and violence-related deaths (38.5%). The major types of injuries inflicted were gunshot wounds (33%), unspecified multiple injuries (32%) and stab wounds (27%). Motor vehicle accidents accounted for only 8% of deaths. The urgent need for intervention programmes to prevent unnecessary loss of life, targeted especially at young adults and children, is highlighted.