Statement:
The level of criminal activities is lower in Russia than in South Africa

In the The Most Criminal Countries rating Russia holds position #89 ²⁰²² out of 139 and South Africa is #4 out of 139 ²⁰²².
Position of Russia is better than position of South Africa.
South Africa is leader of the "The Most Criminal Countries" rating. So it is wise to avoid visiting the country or, at least, you need to take additional actions to protect your life and belongings, compared to Russia

Referencies:

1. The Most Criminal Countries ²⁰²² by Numbeo

   The countries in the rating sorted by 'Crime Index' in descending order.

   Russia	'Crime Index' value is	39.32
   South Africa	'Crime Index' value is	75.37