Despite a reported decline in certain crime rates, South Africa's latest statistics reveal alarming figures, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), prompting urgent calls for action from political leaders and community advocates.
Last Friday, the South African Police Service (SAPS) released its third quarter crime statistics for the 2024/2025 financial year (October 2024 to December 2024).
In this period there were 6 953 murders in the country - with 1 493 occurring in KZN.
In the province, there were also 1 915 attempted murders, 9 684 assaults (GBH), 8 775 assaults (common), 6 212 robberies with aggravating circumstances cases, and 2710 carjackings reported.
In addition, there were 273 murders, 480 attempted murders and 2 164 assaults (GBH) of children between 0 to 17 years old reported.
There were 14 973 sexual offences in the country of which 2 818 were reported in KZN.
Among the top 30 police stations that had the highest number of serious crime cases reported in the province were Chatsworth, Phoenix and Verulam.
Chatsworth had the third highest number of serious crimes reported in the country and second in the province with a total of 1 926.
Phoenix, which was tenth in the country and third in the province, had 1 771. Verulam was 26th in the country and eighth in the province with 1 535.
In respect of contact crimes (murder/attempted murder/sexual offences/all types of assault), Chatsworth was seventh in the province with 753 cases, followed by Verulam with 752 cases.
Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, said there was a significant shift in the national crime landscape.
“Encouragingly, we have observed an overall decrease in several categories of crime when compared to the same period in the previous year (October 2023 to December 2023).”
He said they had recorded a 9.8% decrease in murder cases, a 3.3% reduction in rape cases, and a 3.2% drop in attempted sexual offences, as well as a notable decline in carjackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises.
“However, we must also acknowledge the areas that require urgent attention. We have seen an increase in cases of assault (GBH) and malicious damage to property. These crimes continue to disrupt communities and demand a reinforced response from law enforcement.”
Mchunu said Gauteng, KZN, Eastern Cape and Western Cape dominated on criminality.
“For the third quarter, all provinces recorded a decrease in murder cases, marking a significant milestone in our national crime reduction efforts. However, Gauteng and KZN remain the highest contributors to the 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%.”
Mchunu said effective methods of fighting crime and criminals were in place.
“Several individuals have been dealt with in a number of areas in the Eastern Cape and KZN recently, 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 will arrest you.”
He added while there was an overall reduction in contact crimes against women, they were concerned by the increase in attempted murder cases against children.
“This is an alarming development that calls for a concerted effort to protect the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Mchunu said, additionally, rape cases had increased in KZN, Mpumalanga, and the Free State.
“This data serves as a stark reminder that Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remained a critical issue requiring intensified interventions.”
He said while progress had been made, they recognised that crime remained a major concern.
“Among our key challenges is the backlog of outstanding dockets. We are actively securing funding to expedite investigations and prosecutions.”
Mchunu added a key element in their crime-fighting strategy was “Project 10 000”, which was aimed at bolstering police personnel.
He said the SAPS welcomed 5 500 new recruits at its various academies on February 5.
“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.”
Mchunu said fighting crime was not a task for law enforcement alone.
“It requires the active participation of communities, the private sector, and various stakeholders. We appeal 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.”
Reaction:
– Visvin Reddy, an uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party member of parliament, said the latest crime statistics showed that the country was in “deep trouble”.
“Police minister Senzo Mchunu wants us to believe that things are improving because murder has dropped by 9.8%. But, almost 7 000 people were murdered in just three months. That’s about 75 people killed every single day. How can anyone call this progress?
“Furthermore, KZN, where I come from, is one of the worst-affected provinces, with one of the highest murder rates in the country. People are living in fear, yet the government wants us to cheer for minor changes in numbers while violence still rages in our communities.”
Reddy said additionally, the justice system was failing.
“Many cases are stuck in the system for years. Criminals are walking free while families are left suffering. The government is trying to spin these numbers to look good, but the truth is clear - our people are not safe.
“We demand urgent action, which includes fixing the justice system. Courts must move faster, and police must do proper investigations to make sure criminals don’t get away. Officers must be trained properly and given the right tools to fight crime, especially in high-crime areas like KZN.
“Crime prevention must start at the community level, with real support for people to fight crime together with police. We will not sit back while the government tries to fool the people with numbers. Crime is still destroying lives every day, and unless real changes happen, these so-called ‘improvements’ mean nothing. South Africans deserve real safety, not empty words,” he said.
– Shameen Thakur-Rajbansi, leader of the Minority Front, said the statistics was not a true reflection of the daily crimes committed.
“So many go unreported due to fear. There must be provincial hotlines set up to report the challenging crimes, which are increasing. The hotline statistics must also be used together with crimes that are reported directly as it would give more realistic figures.
“As much as statistics report the demographics of victims; equally the demographics of perpetrators must be reported for full disclosure and community empowerment,” she said.
– Mafika Mndebele, spokesperson for the ANC in KZN, said while the recorded decrease in murder cases across all provinces and decline in certain categories of crime were welcomed, the party remained concerned about the persistently high crime rates, particularly in KZN.
“We are committed to ensuring that crime-fighting remains a top priority. The statistics indicate that although some progress has been made, challenges persist, especially in cases of GBV, attempted murder of children, and contact crimes. This calls for a more coordinated and reinforced approach from law enforcement and government structures.
“We call on all stakeholders, government, law enforcement, community organisations, and residents to work together to create safer communities. The ANC will continue to play an active role in ensuring that the GPU delivers on its mandate to protect the people of KZN,” he said.
– Riona Gokool, the Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on community safety and liaison in KZN, said the political party would continue to push for a comprehensive reform of SAPS in the province in a bid to improve citizens’ safety.
“While the DA notes the decrease in KZN’s crime levels in some areas, there remains much work to be done in order for our provinces’ people to feel safe. KZN's situation remains complex, an alarming reality against the backdrop of already high levels of violent crime. Rape and sexual offence rates also remain alarmingly high, underscoring the severity of GBV in our province. Victims of GBV in KZN still face underreporting, insufficient police response, and inadequate victim support services.
“As part of KZN’s GPU the DA remains committed to finding solutions to crime in the province. The people of our province deserve to live their lives without fear,” she said.
– Adeshini Naicker, the director of Childline KZN, said the increase in attempted murder cases of children was alarming.
She said this required immediate and comprehensive action.
“Law enforcement must prioritise child protection by enhancing patrols in areas with high incidences of child violence and strengthening investigations into these cases. Collaboration with child protection organisations, schools, and healthcare providers is essential to identify and support at-risk children early.
“Additionally, strengthening laws related to child abuse, increasing resources for child protection services, and ensuring swift prosecution of offenders will also send a strong message that such crimes will not be tolerated. Greater community engagement is also necessary to raise awareness, improve reporting mechanisms, and create safer environments for children,” she said.