Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says although there has been some reduction in several categories, more still needs to be done to reduce the country’s crime levels.
“We are positioning ourselves accordingly in terms of policing whilst we continue our work throughout the whole country,” Mchunu said.
The Minister was presenting the Quarterly Crime Statistics, reflecting on crimes that occurred during the third quarter of the current financial year (1 October 2024 – 31 December 2024).
At Friday’s briefing in Pretoria, the Minister said the police had observed an overall decrease in several categories of crime when compared to the same period in the previous year.
“We have also registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, which is a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector as a whole,” Mchunu said, adding that the positive shift highlights the importance of continued collaboration between law enforcement, local leaders and communities to safeguard this vital industry.
“Although the percentage appears to be relatively small, we note the outcry of communities that farm livestock, particularly in the eastern Free State, north western parts of KwaZulu-Natal and in the northern Eastern Cape, hence our plan to combine these three provinces in a meeting to discuss this challenge.
“We must, however, also acknowledge the areas that require urgent attention. We have seen an increase in cases of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and malicious damage to property. These crimes continue to disrupt communities and demand a reinforced response from law enforcement.
“For the third quarter, all provinces recorded a decrease in murder cases, marking a significant milestone in our national crime reduction efforts,” the Minister explained.
Murder
However, he expressed concern over the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
This as Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal remain the highest contributors to overall national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, while the Eastern and Western Cape account for 18.9% and 17.4%.
“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.
A 9.8% decrease in murder cases was recorded in the quarter.
“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.”
He further announced that the police are dedicating 27 February to amongst other things, to review policing in high murder zones. The focus, said the Minister, will be on murders and firearms, after which they will decide on the concrete steps to be taken.
“Partnerships with communities and other partners will be a critical element in the rethinking approach. A combination of interventions indicates that there are much more effective methods of fighting crime and criminals.
“Several individuals have been dealt with in a number of areas in the Eastern Cape recently and KwaZulu- Natal, following a series of taxi violence and extortion related murders. I do want to state that no one is classified as “untouchable” – you do wrong, we arrest you,” Mchunu said.
Crimes against women and children
Mchunu said while police have registered an overall reduction in contact crimes against women, the men and women in blue 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,” he said.
Another bugbear was that of extortions, kidnappings and drugs with these matters being added to the meeting on 27 February.
Police have noted that some of the kidnappings are orchestrated from the St Albans prison in the Eastern Cape and that the mastermind of these kidnappings still has access to a number of cellphones.
Meanwhile, the statistics showed a 3.3% reduction in rape cases; a 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences and a decline in carjackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises.
Police also registered a 4.5% reduction in stock theft, which is a welcome relief for farmers, communities and the agricultural sector as a whole.
Safer Festive Season, new recruits
Mchunu said the Safer Festive Season initiative, 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.
“A key element in our crime-fighting strategy has been Project 10 000, aimed at bolstering police personnel,” he said.
In addition, to bolster the fight against crime, police welcomed 5500 new recruits at various South African Police Service (SAPS) academies.
“These individuals will undergo rigorous training and, upon completion, will reinforce our crime-fighting efforts as constables. This initiative not only enhances policing capacity but also contributes to job creation, a crucial aspect in addressing social determinants of crime,” the minister said.
Destroying illegal weapons
Mchunu said that just yesterday, 16 049 firearms were destroyed in accordance with Section 149 of the Firearms Control Act.
“We will continue to carry out measures aimed at ensuring that illegal weapons are seized and destroyed so as to ensure the safety of our communities,” he said.
Mchunu appealed to communities to work hand in hand with law enforcement.
“Crime thrives in silence, and we urge all South Africans to report criminal activities, cooperate with the police, and participate in community policing forums,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
