Decrease in some crime categories

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has recorded a downward trend in some crime categories, including murder, robbery and car theft.

There was an overall decrease of 5.1% in 17 serious community-reported crimes from July 1 to September 30, 2024. In particular, contact crimes decreased by 3%, property crimes by 9.9% and other serious crimes by 3.4%.

“Statistics show that when focusing on contact crimes, murder decreased by 5.8 percent, sexual crimes decreased by 2.5 percent, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 8.8 percent.

“Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robberies in residential and non-residential buildings decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively.

“Among the 17 categories of community-reported crimes monitored, only attempted murder, assault GBH (grievous bodily harm) and commercial crimes were observed, which increased by 2.2%, 1% and 18.5% respectively,” Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said. During the launch of the Quarterly Crime Statistics and Reflection on 100 Days in the Office at SAPS Gauteng head office on Monday.

The Minister said Operation Shanela was extremely successful, leading to 262,396 arrests, 7,549 high-intensity operations and over eight million actions.

Public Order Policing’s achievements in the second quarter of 2024/25 include 2,756 arrests, the seizure of counterfeit goods worth R22.2 million, 93 firearms and 846 rounds of ammunition.

Border Policing efforts resulted in the arrest of 6 610 people and significant seizures, including drugs worth R498 million, firearms, explosives and stolen vehicles worth R66.9 million.

Mchunu said close collaboration between the SAPS, the Justice Group, the National Prosecuting Authority and Home Affairs was needed to make Operation Shanela more effective in dealing with different crimes and criminals.

“We are currently also strengthening Operation Shanela and will announce our plans in due course,” the minister said. – SAnews.gov.za