About 6 198 people were murdered in the country between the start of April and the end of June this year.
This was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu when he released the quarterly crime statistics, covering the final quarter of 2023/24 (January to March 2024) and the first quarter of 2024/25 (April to June 2024).
“These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face.
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.
The data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action,” said Mchunu.
The Minister acknowledged that crime is generally on the increase, especially murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion.
According to the statistics, 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.
“If we look 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%.
It is worth noting that the Limpopo province recorded 3.3% per capita, making it the safest province in as far as murder is concerned,” highlighted the Minister.
Most of the murders in the first quarter crime statistics showed that the majority of the murders occurred in public places, followed by residential premises, liquor outlets, shebeens, public transport premises among others.
The stats also revealed that firearms were used to commit most of the murders in the country.
“The most frequently used instruments in committing murders were firearms, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape.
Firearms are then followed by knives and sharp objects.
Knives were the preferred weapon of choice to commit murder in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape,” said Mchunu.
The Minister also noted that 16 police officers were killed during this period, with the largest number of officers being from the Eastern Cape (5), KwaZulu-Natal (4) and Western Cape (4).
Mchunu warned that cash-in-transit heists have increased in the country, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Gauteng.
According to the stats, kidnappings and extortion cases increased during this period.
“About 135 cases of kidnapping for ransom were recorded in the first quarter.
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal accounted for 81 and 15 cases respectively,” highlighted the Minister.
Mchunu assured the country that the 7th administration is clear and resolute to fight crime and highlighted some of their priorities.
“Bringing crime levels down, this is our number 1 priority, to protect the citizens of South Africa and make them feel safe again.
We are committed to enhancing the professionalism of the South African Police Service (SAPS).
This entails rigorous training, a clear code of conduct, and a culture of excellence.
Our officers must be equipped not only with the best practices but also with the highest standards of ethical behaviour,” committed Mchunu.
