SAPS
The police minister, Senzo Mchunu, says there's been a more than 9% decrease in the murder rate in the third quarter of the current financial year.
He was providing an update on quarterly crime statistics for the third quarter on Friday.
Minister Mchunu said a total of 6 953 murders were recorded during this period, a drop of 9.8%.
He said firearms had been used in 2 886 murder cases reported.
Minister Mchunu also noted that all provinces recorded decreases in murder rates during the third quarter.
The Minister noted that Gauteng and Kwazulu Natal provinces made the biggest contributions to the murder figures, contributing 25% and 214% respectively.
The Eastern Cape was placed third in Q3, contributing 18.9% to the overall figures.
Gang-related murders in the Western Cape continue to be a cause for concern with Minister Mchunu saying that there were over 260 gang-related murders in Cape Town during the period under review.
#PoliceMinistry #CrimeStats MURDER
— SA Police Service ???????? (@SAPoliceService) February 21, 2025
All provinces recorded a decrease in murder cases, marking a significant milestone in our national crime reduction efforts. NP pic.twitter.com/dftdT20J9I
Meanwhile, minister Mchunu, reported an overall decrease in several crime categories, saying there had been a 3.3% reduction in the number of rape case reported in Q3, while attempted sexual offences recorded a 3.2% decline.
With respect to gender-based violence, Mchunu said while there has been an overall reduction in contact crimes against women, SAPA are deeply concerned by the increase in 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,” he said.
The police minister said the latest data serves as a stark reminder that gender-based violence remains a critical issue requiring intensified interventions.
Mchunu said the fight against crime also come with a high price, saying during Q3, a total of 13 police officers were killed, either while on or off-duty.
“These reductions in crime categories indicate that the strategies and interventions we have implemented are yielding results.
“Our safer festive season launched in October 2024, has played a significant role in the recorded crime reductions.
“Through heightened police visibility and strategic operations, fewer crimes were reported and recorded during this period,” Mchunu said.
