This research aims to investigate the dynamics of violent crime in South Africa by systematically analyzing the characteristics of both perpetrators and victims. The primary objective is to identify key socio-economic, cultural, and psychological factors contributing to violent crime and assess the effectiveness of current intervention strategies. The study focuses on the prevalence and patterns of violent crime—including homicide, sexual violence, and assault—within South Africa. It explores the socio-demographic profiles of perpetrators and victims, the root causes driving violent behavior, and the policy responses aimed at crime reduction. Violent crime in South Africa is not random but is shaped by structural inequalities, historical legacies, and systemic failures in social and criminal justice institutions. A comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of both perpetrators and victims is essential for developing effective, evidence-based interventions. Existing policies often fail due to inadequate attention to context-specific drivers of violence and a lack of reliable, integrated data. The study adopts a systematic literature review methodology to synthesize existing empirical studies, government reports, and theoretical frameworks. This approach enables a critical analysis of recurring themes, knowledge gaps, and contrasting perspectives in the scholarly and policy-oriented literature. The findings aim to inform policy-makers, law enforcement agencies, civil society, and academic stakeholders about the complex interplay between individual behavior and structural conditions in violent crime. The study offers practical recommendations for victim support services, youth violence prevention, policing reforms, and community-based safety strategies. This research is intended for academics in criminology and social sciences, public policy practitioners, government agencies, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international development partners working on crime prevention and justice reform in South Africa. Addressing violent crime in South Africa requires an integrated, multi-sectoral response grounded in evidence and local realities. By illuminating the characteristics and contexts of both victims and perpetrators, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of violence and offers actionable insights for building a safer, more just society.