The Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu has released the latest crime statistics for the third quarter, revealing both improvements and areas of concern in the country’s law enforcement efforts. The data shows an encouraging decrease in several key crime categories compared to the same period in the previous year. Murder cases have decreased by 9.8 percent, rape cases have dropped by 3.3 percent, and attempted sexual offences have fallen by 3.2 percent. Carjackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises have also seen a notable decline.
Despite these positive trends, the Minister noted areas of concern which require urgent intervention. Cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property have increased, disrupting communities and necessitating stronger law enforcement measures. Of particular concern is the rise in attempted murder cases against children aged 0 to 17 years, an alarming development that calls for greater efforts to protect the country’s most vulnerable. While overall contact crimes against women have decreased, rape cases have risen in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Free State, serving as a reminder that gender-based violence remains a pressing issue requiring intensified interventions.
Murder rates have declined across all provinces, a significant milestone in national crime reduction efforts. However, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal continue to record the highest number of murder cases, contributing 25.0 percent and 21.4 percent respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape at 18.9 percent and the Western Cape at 17.4 percent. Gang violence remains a major issue in the Western Cape, where 263 gang-related murders were reported in the last quarter. Many of these incidents occurred in Bishop Lavis, Mitchells Plain, Kleinvlei, Delft, and Elsies River. The Minister stressed that new approaches are needed to address gang-related violence, as past strategies have failed to produce lasting change. On February 27, a special review will focus on policing in high-murder areas, with particular attention given to firearm-related crimes.
The Minister further addressed concerns regarding ongoing taxi violence and extortion-related murders in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Mchunu reaffirmed law enforcement’s determination to act decisively against criminals, stating that no individual is above the law. The issue of kidnappings and extortion, many of which are believed to be orchestrated from inside St Albans prison, will also be a focus of the upcoming February 27 discussions in the Portfolio Committee on Police.
The Minister credited proactive policing efforts with contributing to the decline in crime rates. The Safer Festive Season initiative, launched in October 2024, played a significant role in reducing crime through heightened police visibility and targeted operations. Additionally, the Project 10 000 initiative, aimed at expanding the police force, has made progress with the recent recruitment of 5,500 new police trainees. These recruits will undergo rigorous training before being deployed as Constables, strengthening policing efforts and contributing to job creation.
The removal of illegal firearms continues to be a priority. Just this week, authorities destroyed 16,049 illegal firearms under the Firearms Control Act, a measure the Minister said will continue to reduce gun-related violence and ensure safer communities.
While progress has been made, the Minister acknowledged that crime remains a serious challenge. One of the major issues facing law enforcement is the backlog of outstanding dockets, which the government is working to address by securing funding to speed up investigations and prosecutions. Efforts to modernise and strengthen policing will focus on the use of technology, enhancing crime intelligence, bolstering detective and forensic services, and improving working conditions for police officers. Mchunu noted that fraud and corruption remain significant concerns, however the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation is intensifying efforts to combat these crimes and hold perpetrators accountable.
The Minister further emphasised that the fight against crime cannot be left to law enforcement alone. Stronger partnerships with communities, the private sector, and civil society are essential to improving public safety. He urged South Africans to report criminal activities, work closely with the police, and participate in community policing forums. Mchunu additionally commended law enforcement agencies for their recent arrest of a suspect in the Zanzou case, with further arrests expected as investigations continue.
As part of broader efforts to strengthen policing, the government will host a National Policing Summit in April 2025. This summit will take a proactive and holistic approach to law enforcement, addressing systemic challenges and identifying solutions to improve policing in South Africa. The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security for all citizens. While progress has been made, he acknowledged that there is still much work to be done and assured the public that efforts to combat crime will continue with determination.
