Publication date: Aug 01, 2026
This retrospective descriptive study examined firearm-related fatalities during (April-December 2020; n = 241) and after (April-December 2023; n = 299) COVID-19 lockdowns using 540 cases from the Diepkloof Forensic Pathology Service, Soweto, South Africa. Data was obtained from autopsy reports, forensic records, police statements, and death scene documentation. Firearm violence affected young adult Black males (22-43 years), with only minor demographic shifts post-pandemic. The overall burden and core patterns of violence remained stable, with criminal activity – primarily robbery and interpersonal violence – persisting as the leading contexts, and homicide the dominant manner of death. Post-COVID-19 findings demonstrated contextual shifts, including increased incidents in public and social environments, reflecting greater mobility and resumption of social activity. A significant rise in mean blood alcohol concentration (0. 09 g/100 mL vs 0. 14 g/100 mL; p
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 | |
| Firearm fatalities | |
| Forensic Pathology | |
| South Africa |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | death |