The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported a significant decrease in several major crime categories, including carjacking, robbery, and murder. These positive trends were recorded during the period from July 1 to September 30, 2024, reflecting efforts to improve public safety and combat crime across the country.
According to the latest Quarterly Crime Statistics, there was a 5.1% overall reduction in the 17 major crime categories reported by communities. This included a 3.4% decrease in other serious crimes, a 9.9% drop in property-related offenses, and a 3% decline in contact crimes.
Breaking down the figures further, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu highlighted several areas of progress. Murder dropped by 5.8%, while sexual offenses decreased by 2.5%. Robbery with aggravating circumstances saw an 8.8% decline, and rape cases were reduced by 3.1%. Property-related crimes also saw notable improvements, with robberies at residential premises falling by 1.3% and non-residential premises by an impressive 21.1%.
“These statistics reflect the impact of our targeted interventions and dedication to curbing violence and criminal behavior in our communities,” Mchunu said during the release of the Quarterly Crime Statistics at the SAPS Gauteng headquarters.
However, not all crime categories showed improvement. Attempted murder rose by 2.2%, assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH) by 1%, and commercial crimes by a significant 18.5%. The minister acknowledged these areas of concern and emphasized the SAPS’s commitment to addressing them.
To further enhance efforts, Mchunu announced plans to consolidate Operation Shanela, a national initiative aimed at intensifying crime-combatting measures. “We are currently consolidating Operation Shanela and will make our plans known in due course,” he said.
The SAPS views these statistics as a step in the right direction, demonstrating the potential for sustained reductions in crime through focused strategies and community involvement. While challenges persist, the department remains committed to ensuring safety and security for all South Africans.
