Major-General Norman Sekhukhune presented the statistics to the committee, reporting an increase in contact crimes over the two quarters, with 171 707 crimes reported in the fourth quarter, an increase of 4.6%.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) recorded 153 637 contact crimes during the first quarter of this financial year, an increase of 2.6% compared to the same period last year, the statistics show.

Some committee members flagged the statistics on crimes against women and children as “particularly concerning.” Those statistics show the overall number of women murdered in 2023/24 is lower than 2022/23 (a decrease of 1.92%), however the significant increase of 7.9% in the first quarter of 2024/25 compared to the first quarter of 2023/24 is concerning.

According to SAPS’ statistics, 966 women were murdered during the first quarter of 2024/25, and 1 644 murders were attempted against women, with a further 13 757 women assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm. In 2023/24, 24 942 women were murdered, significantly higher than in 2021/22 (9.1% increase).

Furthermore, the first quarter of 2024/25 saw 314 children were murdered, with 424 murders attempted against children, and 1 596 children were assaulted with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

One committee member, Ms. Molebogeng Letlape, said the statistics do not present anything new as the numbers from previous quarters show that these crimes continue to happen in the same areas as before. Letlape asked the SAPS delegation what strategies and measures were in place to address this.

“In terms of resources, in terms of crime intelligence, in terms of data collection, what are the measures and strategies that [you] have in place to ensure that there is a decrease in murders, rape and other crimes so that when we come back for the next quarterly report, we don’t find ourselves in the same situation?” Letlape asked.

She further stated it is alarming that despite efforts and budgets made available, improvement remains lackluster. She further noted that of those murdered, over 1 000 are women who are exposed to crime, murder and rape on a daily basis.

Another committee member, Ms. Lise-Mare Schickerling, reminded the meeting attendees that the chilling statistics on rape mean that there is a high probability that one of the women in the (meeting) room could be the next victim of rape.

Acting National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Tobello Mosikili, said figures showing arrests of gang members, rapists and extortionists indicate communities’ calls are being heard. She stated the focus of SAPS remains on serious crime, and will continue to receive the necessary attention.

Committee members raised further concern over the state of some police stations, which are in serious disrepair and are not conducive to quality policing. Others raised concerns over the lack of crime intelligence and limited resources, such as police vehicles, which hamper crime fighting efforts.

Minister Mchunu acknowledged that while current strategies are beginning to show results, there is more to be done. He reassured committee members that plans are in place to support SAPS leadership. “We are working on turnaround times. We need to improve that. We just need a little bit of time,” he said. “We don’t expect these numbers to persist. It will go down,” he stated.

The Minister conceded that crime intelligence is a major concern, specifically their capacity (numbers, technology and skills). He reminded the committee that crime intelligence has been “hollowed out over the years,” and improving the situation will take time.

Lieutenant-General Mosikili, in turn, reminded the committee that scarce resources are a challenge across the board. She acknowledged poor maintenance of police stations as a challenge but noted SAPS is working with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) to address infrastructure concerns.

With scarce resources, Cameron stressed the need for an integrated strategy where both SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority work towards common goals, “streamlining efforts to ensure that cases are effectively investigated, prosecuted, and brought to a successful conclusion.”

“As we work together to protect our communities, we must remember that our ultimate goal is to build a safer, more just South Africa for all. We cannot and dare not fail,” Cameron said. He further added, “only through such collaboration can we hope to restore trust in our justice system and provide the safety and security that the people of South Africa deserve.”

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All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape with 11 stations, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with eight, the Eastern Cape had six stations and Gauteng had five stations. The leading stations among them were Nyanga, Inanda, Umlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare.

Analysis has revealed most murders occur in public spaces, in all provinces, except for the Northern Cape, where the majority occurred at the residential premises of either the perpetrator or victim. Other prevalent locations where murders occurred include liquor outlets and shebeens, agricultural premises, business premises, public transport premises and spaza/tuck shops.

A total of nine farm murders were reported, with the Minister noting that “four victims were farmers, and three were farm dwellers.” He further added that farmers are “crucial stakeholders,” and police “will ensure that we work with the farming community as we address this challenge.”

The most frequently used weapon in murder cases were firearms, particularly in KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Firearms are then followed by knives and sharp objects. Knives were the preferred weapon of choice in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.

The Minister added that September “is not only a time for us to remember our fallen heroes but also Police Safety Month, a crucial period where we emphasise the importance of safeguarding our own members.”

A total number of 21 officers were killed in the first quarter of the year, with 16 being killed off duty. The Eastern Cape had the highest number of officers killed, with five killed. KZN and the Western Cape both lost four officers.

“We will ensure that our personnel receive the support and resources they need to perform their duties safely and effectively. Their courage and resilience must be matched by our commitment to their safety,” said the Minister.

Carjackings have also increased, specifically in the Eastern and Western Cape. Criminals have been targeting sedans, hatchbacks and coupes, with the Kwazakele police station in Gqeberha registering 81 cases of carjacking, an increase of 43 in the first quarter.

“When you compare the two periods we are reporting on today, the number of Cash-In-Transit heists in KZN, Eastern Cape and Gauteng are still a concern,” noted the Minister, adding that overall, numbers have reduced.

Commenting on the increase in coverage around kidnapping cases, the Minister reported “135 cases of kidnapping for ransom were recorded in the first quarter, with Gauteng and KZN accounting for 81 and 15 cases respectively.”

The Minister revealed that over the reporting period, 91 incidents of rape were reported as having taken place at an educational institution, while 12 murders were reported. “We send our children to school to learn, and we thus expect that such environments are safe and conducive for learning.”

“Bringing crime levels down: this is our number one priority, to protect the citizens of South Africa and make them feel safe again,” said Minister Mchunu.

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