The Minister of Police Bheki Cele has released the 2020/21 quarter crime statistics which reflect crimes committed between Level 1 and Adjusted Level 3 Lockdown, which kicked in, on the 15th of December.

Murder

Cele said in the three months of reporting, a 6.6 % increase in murder was recorded. This means 389 more people were killed compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year. Mpumalanga province recorded the highest increase of 13,7% when compared to the corresponding period in the previous financial year. Limpopo, North West and Northern Cape provinces recorded a decline in their murder cases. 193 of the murders were as a result of domestic violence.

On causes of murder cele said the top four causative factors of these deaths are arguments, robberies at a household and businesses, mob justice incidents and gang-related killings. A total of 2 481 people were murdered in public places like on the street, open field, parking areas and abandoned buildings.1643 murders occurred at the home of the victim or of the perpetrator.While Liquor outlets were the third most likely place to be killed in South Africa.Overall, contact crimes committed against a person decreased by 1.4%

A 5% increase has been recorded for Sexual offences detected as a result of police action.12 218 people were raped between October and December last year. This is an increase of 181 cases, amounting to a 1.5% increase compared to the previous reporting period. Over 4900 of the rape incidents took place at the home of the victim or the home of the rapist. 570 were domestic violence related and 547 of rape cases in this category, involved female victims and 23 were males. Inanda, Umlazi in Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape’s Lusikisiki police stations recorded the highest incidents of rape.

19 people were killed in 18 incidents of murder which occurred in farms and small holdings. While most of the people died in the hands of criminals, unfortunately some of those were killed by farm owners or farm managers.

There was some good news for those who owned property and livestock.All Property Related crimes decreased by 15.8%. Stock theft which has been problematic over the last couple of years also recorded a decrease of 6.9% Burglary at residential and non-residential premises declined drastically.

Theft of vehicles and motorcycles also declined by over 20%.

Assault figures show that violence stalks our society and in many cases the violence is aggravated by alcohol abuse.50 124 cases of assault were opened with the police in the three months of reporting. The noticeable areas of occurrence of these assaults are at the home of the victim or perpetrator, public places and liquor outlets.

The crimes feared most by South Africans increased. Aggravated robberies such as Carjacking increased by 7% There were 77 more residential robberies in the month of October to December 2020. However there has been some relief for business owners, 374 less businesses were robbed during this time. Cele said unfortunately the same can’t be said for the country’s trucking industry. An increase in the targeting of delivery vans and trucks was recorded. Majority of the vehicles including courier vans were targeted for their cargo, which is usually food, appliances and other priced goods.

CITs
There were 26 more attacks on cash vans in the third quarter of 2020/2021 financial years. National Commissioner, if we are to win against these thugs, SAPS must go back to the drawing board and work with speed.

Cele also stated that in spite of the bleak situation and also being in the midst of a pandemic, the SAPS must and will do more to turn this crime picture around. He remains concerned about the Mpumalanga, Kwa Zulu-Natal, Free State and the Western Cape provinces, which these stats show, are regressing in their fight against crime.

Meanwhile, while some of the provinces have shown a significant improvement in this regard, led by the Eastern Cape.The four provinces recorded over 10% increases in the crime of murder. As the Police Ministry and Police management, they have taken a decision to have operational oversight in the four provinces and monitor them closely. They further expect a turn around plan to be adopted and executed urgently and effectively.