By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has delivered a grim assessment of South Africa’s crime situation, revealing that more than 6,000 people died between April and June 2024.
Mchunu together with SAPS Management released Crime Stats for 1st Qtr 2023/2024.
Between the start of April and the end of June, the police recorded 6 198 murders across the country and, although the overall number of murders decreased for the quarter year-on-year, four of the nine provinces experienced an increase in murders, said Mchunu.
“When I look at these stats, there is a general increase. That should worry us most,” Mchunu said.
Contact crime increased by 2.6% overall, with more than 153 637 cases recorded for the three-month period.
KwaZulu-Natal contributed the highest number of murders to the national count, accounting for 23.5% of all murders during the quarter.
Gauteng followed with 22% and the Western Cape with 18%. However, the Western Cape accounted for the highest increase in murders over the quarter, with a 21% increase bringing the total number for the three-month period to 1 138.
The province also featured prominently among the top 10 police stations with the highest recorded cases of murder. Seven of the 10 stations are in the Western Cape.
The stations that recorded the highest number of murders are Nyanga, Inanda, Umlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare. Of the 270 recorded gang murders recorded during the three-month period, 234 were in the Western Cape.
During the same period, 16 police officers were killed. Five of them were on duty at the time.
Crimes against women and children showed an increase, according to the released statistics. There were 966 women murdered during the three-month period (an increase of 7.9%) and 1 644 attempted murders (16% increase) of women.
Carjackings have also increased in the Eastern and Western Capes, while there has been a reduction in cash heists.
The minister outlined the priorities for the 7th administration, emphasising a commitment to reducing crime, restoring public safety, eradicating corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS), and upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct among officers.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of investing in technology to combat the country’s high crime rates.
Mchunu also highlighted the success of recent operations, including drug busts and the rescue of kidnapped individuals, noting that targeted responses have alleviated challenges in high-crime communities. He assured South Africans that the police would continue their efforts until everyone felt safe.
“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,” he said.
Meanwhile, ActionSA said a small decrease in murders offered little comfort, as violence against women and children persisted.
“Despite the slight improvement from the previous quarter’s figures, where 253 children were killed, the daily reality of these tragedies continues to be a national shame,” said ActionSA MP, Dereleen James.
Action Society has welcomed Mchunu’s commitment to fight crime.
“We welcome Minister Mchunu’s action plan which includes a commitment to uproot and tackle corruption within the police and a planned strengthening of the police’s crime intelligence capabilities to target criminal networks,” said Action Society spokesperson Juanita du Preez.