Crime Statistics Show Reduction in Several Categories
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced a reduction in several categories of crime but stressed that further efforts are required to significantly decrease the country’s crime levels.
“We are positioning ourselves accordingly in terms of policing while continuing our work across the country,” said Mchunu during the presentation of the Quarterly Crime Statistics for the third quarter of the financial year (1 October – 31 December 2024) in Pretoria.
Overall, the police observed a decrease in various crime categories compared to the same period in the previous year. Notably, there was a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, bringing relief to farmers, communities, and the agricultural sector. Despite the improvement, communities in areas such as the eastern Free State, northwestern KwaZulu-Natal, and northern Eastern Cape still express concerns about livestock theft, prompting plans for a combined meeting to address these issues collectively.
However, the Minister highlighted concerning increases in cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property, emphasizing the need for strengthened law enforcement responses in these areas.
Murder cases saw a significant decrease of 9.8% nationwide, with all provinces registering a reduction. Nonetheless, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the highest contributors to national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape (18.9%) and Western Cape (17.4%). Mchunu expressed particular concern over the Western Cape, which recorded 263 gang-related murders, predominantly in areas such as Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft, and Elsies River.
“The issue of gang violence requires a new approach. There is no point in repeatedly discussing the same issues without seeing change,” Mchunu stated, announcing a planned review of policing strategies in high-murder zones scheduled for 27 February, focusing on murder and firearm-related crimes.
While police recorded an overall reduction in contact crimes against women, there was an alarming increase in attempted murder cases against children aged 0 to 17 years, calling for intensified efforts to protect vulnerable groups.
Police also reported a 3.3% reduction in rape cases, a 3.2% decrease in attempted sexual offences, and a decline in carjackings and robberies at residential and non-residential premises.
The “Safer Festive Season” initiative launched in October 2024 significantly contributed to these crime reductions through increased police visibility and targeted operations. Additionally, Project 10 000, aimed at increasing police personnel, welcomed 5,500 new recruits undergoing rigorous training to strengthen crime-fighting capacities.
Yesterday, in compliance with Section 149 of the Firearms Control Act, 16,049 firearms were destroyed, reinforcing efforts to eliminate illegal weapons from communities.
Minister Mchunu urged communities to actively collaborate with law enforcement, stating, “Crime thrives in silence. We encourage all South Africans to report crimes, cooperate with police, and engage in community policing forums.”