Is crime really a issue In South Africa? It's a beautiful country but crime seem to undermine this beauty

Please help me find the truth about how considerable is crime in South Africa? why so many people talk about crime when they hear about south africa. Is there any place in south africa which does not have such a predominent crime image please help. will go to live there for one year . we have a great opportunity but are afread because of what we hear about crime, , robbery guns.