Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has vowed a crackdown on crime after releasing the ‘sobering’ Crime Statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year and the first quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year.
The release of the Crime Statistics had previously been delayed by his predecessor Bheki Cele.
Mchunu says the statistics reflect the severity of the challenges the Ministry and SAPS faces, with a general increase in crime, including murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion.
‘These numbers represent more than just figures on a page; they reflect the lived realities of our citizens—their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow.’
He says the data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action.
‘We are confronted with a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and undermines the stability of our nation. Contact crimes, in particular, are wreaking havoc and instilling fear. This is unacceptable, and we must confront this challenge with unwavering resolve and strategic precision.’
Murder on the rise
Four of the nine provinces recorded increases in murder cases, with the highest increase recorded in the Western Cape, followed by North West, then the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape (11 stations), KwaZulu-Natal (8), Eastern Cape (6) and Gauteng (5). The leading stations among them were Nyanga, followed by Inanda, Umlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare.
If one looks at the ratio of murders committed, per capita per province, (that is, ratio per 100 000 of the population), the Eastern Cape stands at 17.6%, followed by the Western Cape at 15.3 %, then KwaZulu-Natal at 12.3% and lastly, Gauteng at 8.3%.
Limpopo province recorded 3.3% per capita, making it the ‘safest’ province in as far as murder is concerned.
The analysis of place of occurrence for murders in the first quarter crime statistics showed that majority of the murders occurred in public places. This was the case among all provinces, with the exception of Northern Cape, where the majority of the murders occurred at the residential premises of either the perpetrator or victim.
Other prevalent places of occurrence for murder include liquor outlets and shebeens, agricultural premises, business premises, public transport premises and spaza/tuck shops.
Mass shooting incidents have contributed to the rise in murder cases.
Nine farms murders have been reported, where four victims were farmers, and 3 were farm dwellers. Mchunu has promised to work with the farming community to address this.
The Minister also expressed concern that 91 incidents of rape were reported as having taken place at an educational institution, while 12 murders were reported at schools.
Police killings
Mchunu also revealed that 21 police officers were killed in the first quarter (16 off duty and 5 on duty officers), with the largest number of officers being from the Eastern Cape (5), KZN (4) Western Cape (4).
This is ahead of Police Safety Month in September, which will be used to highlight the importance of safeguarding SAPS members.
‘We will ensure that our personnel receive the support and resources they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Their courage and resilience must be matched by our commitment to their safety.’
Carjackings, CIT heists and kidnapping for ransom
Carjackings have increased in the Eastern and Western Cape, with sedans, hatchbacks and coupe’s being the most hijacked vehicles, with Nyanga police station having had the most number of reported carjacking cases.
The Kwazakele police station in Gqeberha registered 81 cases of carjackings, marking the increase to be 43 in the first quarter.
Mchunu says the number of Cash-In-Transit heists in KZN, Eastern Cape and Gauteng are still a concern, although the overall number has reduced. He says they will be meeting with various cash in transit companies to discuss measures aimed at curbing this crime.
Regarding kidnappings and extortion cases; 135 cases of kidnapping for ransom were recorded in the first quarter, with Gauteng and KZN accounting for 81 and 15 cases respectively.
Minister vows crime crackdown
Mchunu says the number one priority is to bring crime levels down, so that citizens of South Africa can feel safe again.
He has also committed to the professionalisation of the Police Service and uprooting of corruption within the SAPS.
Furthermore, the Minister says they will be investing in technology to fight crime, while crime intelligence capabilities are being strengthened.
‘To the people of South Africa, I assure you: we are unwavering in our commitment to fight crime and restore safety. We will not rest until every South African can walk the streets without fear. To our police officers, I extend my deepest gratitude. Your dedication, bravery, and commitment are the bedrock of our efforts.’
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