South Africa’s crime stats: Minister of Police releases latest
On 25 November 2024, the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, addressed the public at the South African Police Service (SAPS) Gauteng Head Office to release South Africa’s second-quarter crime stats and reflect on his first 100 days in office.
Main crime stats
Minister Mchunu highlighted the growing threat of organised crime and economic crimes, including extortion and attacks on critical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, the second-quarter crime stats showed an overall decline of 5,1% in serious crimes from July to September 2024. Following are crimes that showed a decrease:
Contact crime – 3%
Property-related crime – 9,9%
Murder – 5,8%
Sexual offences – 2,5%
Robbery with aggravating circumstances – 8,8%
However, Mchunu pointed out that there was an increase in the following crimes:
Attempted murder – 2,2%
Assault (grievous bodily harm) – 1%
Commercial crime – 18,5%
Mchunu highlights successes by SAPS
Minister Mchunu shared several successes achieved by the SAPS through targeted operations and strategic deployments.
In Mpumalanga, the SAPS arrested 95 Libyan nationals for immigration violations and suspected unlawful military training. Notable successes in Gauteng included the seizure of drugs worth millions, and the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping and drug trafficking. In Limpopo, a clandestine drug lab was discovered, leading to significant arrests and drug confiscations.
Mchunu also highlighted the positive results of the safer festive season operations in the Western Cape. Thus far, it has led to the seizure of illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs. He commended the SAPS in KwaZulu-Natal for their progress in dealing with armed gangs and murder hotspots.
In addition to the strides made by the SAPS, Mchunu highlighted the significant progress in the justice system, with 265 life sentences issued for serious crimes. He stated that this reflects the department’s commitment to delivering severe penalties for offenders.
Operation Shanela
Operation Shanela, a high-density operation, has led to over 262 000 arrests and significant confiscations, including drugs, firearms, and also stolen vehicles. Mchunu emphasised the need for close collaboration between SAPS, Justice/NPA, and Home Affairs to enhance the effectiveness of Operation Shanela.
Operation Shanela consists of, among other things, roadblocks, vehicle checkpoints, high-visibility patrols (including foot patrols), and also compliance inspections at liquor outlets and second-hand goods dealers.
Looking at South Africa’s crime stats, do you think that Minister Mchunu is doing a good job so far?
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