Rapid urbanisation, growing vigilantism and increasing levels of HIV infection and Aids are among the factors fuelling crime in South Africa, according to the SA Police Service annual report, released on Monday.

"(These) should be seen as the background against which the incidence of crime... should be evaluated.

"Despite efforts to combat crime, these factors and conditions continue to expand and increase the probability of crime occurring," the document says.

The report covers the period April 1, 2002, to March 31 this year.

On people flocking to the cities, it says urbanisation in South Africa over the past two decades has been extremely high.

"Some experts believe the rate to be up to six times higher than that experienced in Brazil".

This was causing high levels of urban unemployment, overcrowding, and crime.

Fear of crime was causing some people to lose confidence in official law enforcement authorities.

"The result is a growth in the phenomenon of vigilante groups.

"Court records in various provinces reveal that hundreds of cases of assault, attempted murder, malicious damage to property, arson and even a few murder cases may be linked to vigilante action," the report states.

On HIV and Aids, it says this has "become conducive to crime in that police officers and other officials serving the criminal justice system may also contract the disease, and become demoralised or unfit to render a proper service".

The report also acknowledges certain beliefs among some who are infected with Aids and seeking a "cure".

"There is a very strong perception that certain beliefs regarding HIV and Aids and the cure or prevention thereof cause certain crimes such as rape (especially child and "granny rape") and bestiality.

"Some people apparently believe that they can be cured or rid themselves of HIV/Aids by having sexual intercourse with an uninfected person," the report says. – Sapa.