This cross-sectional descriptive study of 161 suicide
inquests in the Cape Town area during 1983 and
1984 includes demographic characteristics of the
study population and factors assumed to have had a
determining influence on the act of suicide. The
most striking finding was a much higher suicide rate
among whites (14/100000) than among coloureds
(3/100000) or blacks (O,? /100000). Possible reasons
for this are discussed. Disparity in the availability or
utilisation of psychiatric help by different ethnic
groups is highlighted, as well as the fact that many
of those who receive help are not dissuaded from
suicide.