CAPE TOWN, South Africa – Police Minister Bheki Cele presented the latest crime statistics for the second quarter in Parliament on Friday, revealing some troubling trends in crime in the country. Between July and September 2023, 6,945 murders were reported, a slight decrease from the same period in 2022. However, the number of sexual assaults and serious assaults remains alarmingly high, with 13,090 reported sexual assaults and 42,297 serious assaults in the 90-day period.

According to the police, 45,348 cases of common assault were recorded during the same period, showing an increase of 958 incidents compared to the previous year. Overall, there were 165,909 contact crimes reported in the three months, indicating a persistent issue of violent crime in South Africa. Rape cases also remained at a high level, with 10,516 incidents reported during the quarter.

In addition to these troubling statistics, the police recorded 6,009 hijackings, 6,045 robberies at residential properties, and 4,910 robberies at non-residential premises. Cash-in-transit robberies also saw a resurgence, with 64 cases reported, and 542 truck jackings were recorded. While some progress has been made in combating certain types of crimes, the overall picture painted by the crime statistics remains concerning.

The Institute for Security Studies released a report this week showing a steady increase in the murder rate over the past decade, reaching 45 murders per 100,000 people in the past year. KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape accounted for 83% of the murders recorded across the country. The report also revealed that more than 27,000 South Africans were killed between April 2022 and March 2023, highlighting the persistent and widespread nature of violent crime in the country.

Police Minister Bheki Cele acknowledged that there were some positive developments in the crime statistics but emphasized that more work needs to be done to address the underlying issues contributing to crime in South Africa. Despite the challenges, the government and law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to improve public safety and combat crime throughout the country.

In conclusion, the latest crime statistics in South Africa highlight the persistent and pervasive nature of violent crime, particularly in the areas of murder, sexual assault, and serious assaults. The government and law enforcement agencies are working to address these issues and make progress in improving public safety, but there is still much work to be done to ensure the safety and well-being of all South Africans.