South Africa saw a rise in violent crime, with over 500 people being murdered each week, according to new crime statistics shared by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
The report, covering the first half of 2024, shows a worrying increase in murders, rape, hijacking, kidnapping, and extortion across the country.
From April to June 2024, a total of 6,198 people were killed, which amounts to more than 2,000 murders per month or around 500 per week.
During the same period, there were 11,566 reported sexual offences, averaging about 129 cases per day.
Additionally, 35,098 robberies with aggravating circumstances were reported, meaning there were about 16 robberies every hour.
Minister Mchunu said he was seriously concerned about these figures.
“The data shows the urgent need for action. We are facing a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and the stability of our country,” he said.
He added that there is a need to tackle the rising violence that is causing fear across the nation.
Murder rates have gone up in four of the nine provinces, with the Western Cape seeing the biggest increase, followed by the North West, the Eastern Cape, and Limpopo.
The Eastern Cape has the highest murder rate at 17.6%, followed by the Western Cape at 15.3%, KwaZulu-Natal at 12.3%, and Gauteng at 8.3%. Limpopo has the lowest number, with a murder rate of 3.3%.
Carjackings have also increased, especially in the Eastern and Western Cape, with sedans, hatchbacks, and coupes being the most targeted vehicles.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Crime scene.
Source: File
