SA sees 9.8% drop in murder cases, latest crime stats reveal

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Picture: GCIS/Flickr

The South African Police Service recorded 75.5 murders daily in South Africa between 1 October 2024 to 31 December 2024.

This was revealed by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu when delivered the third quarter crime statistics for 2024/2025 in late February.

Crime comparison data from October 2020 - December 2024. Screenshot: SAPS

Although the number is high, this was an 9.8% drop compared to the same quarter of the previous financial year.

EASTERN CAPE ONE OF HIGHEST CONTRIBUTORS

Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal were the highest contributors to the national murder figures, accounting for 25% and 21.4% respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape with 18.9% and the Western Cape with 17.4%.

Crime comparison data by each province from October 2023 - December 2024. Screenshot: SAPS

The Eastern Cape recorded 1,300 and 1,905 rapes. Gauteng and Kwa-Zulu Natal recorded the highest murder and rape rates during this quarter recording 1,714 murders and 2,300 rapes while KZN recorded 1,493 murders 2,283 rapes.

Graphic showing overview of serious and violent crimes. Picture: SAPS

According to the Eastern Cape acting police commissioner, Major General Zithelele Dlalala, In the third quarter, from October to December 2024, the number of murders, and sexual offences decreased by 11% and 7% respectively.

Dladla said five out of eight districts depicted decreases in the 17-community reported serious crimes. The most contributing districts were:

• Nelson Mandela Bay District with 22. 5% contribution (a decrease of 13.5%)

• Buffalo City Metro District with 19.9% contribution (an increase of 1.2%)

• OR Tambo District with 14.2% contribution (an increase of 0.4%)

Eastern Cape acting police commissioner, Major General Zithelele Dlalala. Picture: SAPS

Five problematic police stations on the 17 Community reported serious crimes are:

• East London

• Mthatha

• Mount Road

• Cambridge

• Kabega Park

Notable crimes (increases):

• Assault GBH - 0.8%

• Common assault - 6.5%

• Trio Crimes - 2.4%

• House robberies - 5.1%

Notable crimes (decreases):

• Murder - 11.0%

• Attempted murder - 3.5%

• Aggravating robberies - 20.7%Common robberies - 4.0%

• Sexual Offences - 7.0%

• Business robberies - 34.2%

Five problematic police stations on rape:

• Lusikisiki

• Mthatha

• Mbizana

• Libode

• East London

The most problematic districts in the Eastern Cape are:

• Nelson Mandela Bay

• Buffalo City Metro

• OR Tambo District

Visit the SAPS website for the full crime stats.