Attempted Murder

When someone tries to kill another person but fails, that’s attempted murder, a criminal act where intent to kill is proven, even if the victim survives. Also known as attempted homicide, it’s treated nearly as seriously as murder in most legal systems because the plan, preparation, and action were all there.

Proving attempted murder isn’t just about the injury—it’s about the mind behind it. Did the person plan it? Did they use a weapon? Did they say they wanted the victim dead? Courts look at evidence like texts, witness statements, and even where the attack happened. In South Africa, where violent crime rates remain high, attempted murder charges are common in urban areas and often tied to gang activity, domestic disputes, or political tensions. The law doesn’t wait for death to act—it steps in when the threat is real and intentional.

Across Africa, cases of attempted murder often make headlines not just for the violence, but for what they reveal about justice systems. In Madagascar, protests turned deadly when security forces opened fire on demonstrators—some survivors later filed attempted murder charges. In Nigeria, political rivals have been targeted with poison and gunfire, leading to high-profile arrests. Even in places like Kenya and Ghana, disputes over land or business have spiraled into attacks that landed suspects in court for attempted murder. These aren’t abstract crimes—they’re personal, violent, and leave lasting scars on families and communities.

What you’ll find in this collection aren’t just headlines. They’re real stories where lives changed in seconds—a child nearly killed in a drive-by, a journalist attacked after exposing corruption, a man stabbed by a jealous partner who didn’t die because help arrived in time. Each case shows how intent, opportunity, and luck collide. And while the outcomes vary, the legal and emotional fallout is always heavy.