SA sees decrease in murder rate between October-December 2024

South Africa has, for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic restrictions have been lifted, seen a significant decrease in the number of murders.

Between October and December 2024, the South African Police Service (SAPS) has seen a decline of 757 cases, compared to the same period as of 2023.

COURTESY: SAPS

Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu released the third quarter of the 2024/2025 financial year crime statistics in Pretoria on Friday, and revealed that there were 6 953 murders reported (decline of 9.8%)

He says SAPS have seen an overall decrease in several categories of crime in the country.

"A 9.8% decrease in murder cases. A 3.3% reduction in rape cases. A 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences. A notable decline in carjacking’s and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises."

COURTESY - SAPS : Police Minister Senzo Mchunu

Mchunu said while other provinces saw a drop in murders, some remain hotspots.

"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%.

“These provinces coincide with where our metros are in the whole country and they coincide with the density our population. They are our focus."

An increase however has been reported in cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property.

Mchunu says the Western Cape continues to record the highest number of gang-related murders, with 263 counts reported in this quarter alone.

‘’This is completely unacceptable and it must change. A large number of these murders (collectively amounting to a figure of 135) occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft and Elsies River.’’

‘’The issue of gang violence requires a rethink in approach, because this is not only a historic matter but is also repetitive in nature; there is no point in us discussing one and the same thing with no change. We are dedicating the 27th of February (that is, next week Thursday) to amongst other things, review policing in high murder zones, and our focus will therefore be on murders and firearms, where after we will decide on the concrete steps that need to be taken. Partnerships with communities and other partners will be a critical element in the rethink in approach.’’

The police ministry raised concern in the increase of attempted murder cases against children aged 0 to 17 years.

‘’This is an alarming development that calls for a concerted effort to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.’’

Additionally, rape cases have increased in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State, whereas other provinces have recorded decreases.

‘’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 cell phones,’’ said Mchunu.

 

Done by: Mitchum George