Thousands of South Africans protested on Tuesday outside the government headquarters in Pretoria to signal their anger and exasperation at soaring crime in one of the world's most violent societies.

While the turn-out for the 'Million Man March' fell well short of organisers' expectations, participants said they wanted to send a message that "enough was enough" in a country where some 50 people are murdered every day.

"We are here to say enough is enough," said popular comedian Desmond Dube who was the chief organiser of the event.

"The government needs to take time to prioritise crime in this country. President Mbeki needs to take time to prioritise crime," added Dube after handing over a petition to Correctional Service Minister Ngconde Balfour.

The crowds gathered on the lawns outside Union Buildings drowned out the speech by the minister, shouting out "Shut Up!" and Talk is Cheap!" as he tried to speak.

"We are here to say government has listened to you and we understand that you now want to work with us," said Balfour.

Multiple crime victim

Ricky Protheroe, a 24-year horticulturalist, said he had decided to attend the protest after being a multiple victim of crime, including having his car hijacked.

"I have been robbed 14 times and I'm only 24. I am here just to do something," said Protheroe who carried a placard reading: "Iraq? That's Nothing."

"I know it's an extreme comparision but officially the murder rate is similar to a war zone," he told AFP.

Vincent Nkolisa, a sergeant in the army who lives near Pretoria, said he wanted the government to take a much tougher line towards criminals, including restoring the death penalty which was abolished after the demise of the whites-only apartheid regime in 1994.

"I think crime is out of control," said the 42-year-old who had his car stolen last year.

"I think drastic measures, serious punishment should be taken against the criminals. I think we should bring back the death penalty."

The most recent crime figures show that the annual murder rate is running at over 19 000 in a country with a population of some 47 million while more than 50 000 rapes are reported every year.

Opposition leader Helen Zille, who joined in the protest, said crime was "the number one problem facing South Africa and we need to do something about it."

"We must make this an annual event and have more people come and show criminals that South Africans will do something," she told reporters.

Police estimates put the number of marchers at between 5000 and 7000.

AFP