The latest crime statistics for the fourth quarter of 2024/25 by the SAPS today show decreases in many crime categories, but the number of crime occurrences are still extremely high.
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, told the country during a briefing on Friday that peoples lived experiences dont reflect the declines shown in the latest statistics.
The crime statistics are based on crimes that get reported, and we see a decline in various categories of crime, as will be reported today. We note that there is more crime in terms of daily lived experience and a feeling of vulnerability. It is for this reason that we are adjusting our methods of fighting crime and adapting to the new trends and threats out there, he said.
Most contact crimes downThe released crime statistics for the period starting on 1 January 2025 and ending on 31 March 2025 show 5,727 murders throughout the country, which was 809 fewer peopled killed when compared to the same period last year, showing a decline of 12,4.
Other contact crimes also showed year-on-year decreases such as robbery with aggravating circumstances which saw 3,677 fewer cases reported, representing a decrease of 10,4.