The Western Cape (WC) continues to record the highest number of gang-related murders in the country, with 263 cases recorded between October and December alone. This was revealed by Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu during the release of the 3rd quarterly crime statistics on Friday morning. According to Mchunu, a large number of these murders (collectively amounting to a figure of 135) occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River.

“This is completely unacceptable and it must change.” added the minister

According to Mchunu, the issue of gang violence requires a rethink in approach, because this is not only a historical matter but is also repetitive.

Mfuleni has been labelled as the murder capital of the country after the area reported 73 murder cases between October and November alone. Mfuelni appears at the top of the police’s Top 30 list of stations that reported murder cases. This is followed by Delft, Orange Farms in Gauteng, Kraaifontein and Inanda in KwaZulu-Natal.

The country has however seen a slight decrease in overall murder cases during this period, with 757 fewer murders reported when compared to the same period of October to December in 2023. But, while there has been a 9,8% decrease in cases, 6953 people were still murdered across the country.

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the highest contributors to overall national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape at 18.9% and the Western Cape at 17.4%.

While notable progress has been made in fighting crime in the country, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says authorities will meet on the 27th of February to review policing in high murder zones and will shift its focus to murders and firearms.

“We note the concern of the public. About extortions, kidnappings and drugs; all of these matters will receive our attention on the 27th of this month. We note that most of these kidnappings are said to be orchestrated from St Albans prisons, and the mastermind of these kidnappings still has access to a number of cellphones.”

Meanwhile, as police work to tackle these issues – Mchunu has called on community members to work with authorities to get criminals behind bars.

Other decreases in crime related cases include rape, attempted sexual offences, contact crime, carjackings and robberies of every nature.

The minister added that officials also registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, and called this a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector.

Cases of assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm, common assault, sexual assault and common sexual offences have however seen marginal increases.

Mchunu says the police’s Safer Festive Season initiative, launched in October 2024, has played a significant role in the recorded crime reductions, adding that heightened police visibility and strategic operations, led to fewer crimes being reported and recorded during this period.

“These reductions indicate that the strategies and interventions we have implemented are yielding results.”

In reaction to the crime statistics, the South African Policing Union (SAPU) lauded the efforts that have been made by law enforcement agencies to drive down crime levels. The union also commended Mchunu for destroying more than 16 thousand firearms on Wednesday. The majority of these weapons were recovered from KZN and Gauteng.

“We will continue to carry out measures aimed at ensuring that illegal weapons are seized and destroyed, so as to ensure the safety of our communities.” added Mchunu

To further fight crime, the minister said the South African Police Service (SAPS) welcomed 5,500 new recruits at various SAPS academies. These individuals undergo rigorous training and, upon completion, will reinforce our crime-fighting efforts as Constables.

Mchuny said a key element in their crime-fighting strategy has been Project 10 000, aimed at bolstering police personnel. This initiative not only enhances policing capacity but also contributes to job creation, a crucial aspect in addressing social determinants of crime.

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