By: Natasha Archary
Police Minister Bheki Cele delivered the latest crime statistics for South Africa revealing that murder is on the increase.
During the last 3-months of 2021, over 900 women were murdered. In addition there were 1 240 murder attempts on women.
The figures for acts of gender-based violence (GBV) were alarming, with intent to do grievous bodily harm to women rising.
Presenting the stats for the third quarter of 2021 (October to December 2021), Cele said that while murder is on the increase, contact crimes showed a marginal decline.
GBV remains a huge concern in the country with 232 of the women murdered being victims to domestic violence.
There were over 15, 500 reported cases of assault against women.
A total of 6, 859 murders were committed in the country between October and December 2021. Of this, 352 children were murdered.
Speaking at a press briefing, the minister said GBV crimes and femicide remain a priority for the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Despite his assurances, rape cases increased during the third quarter of the year, with a staggering 11, 315 cases reported.
This means that almost 125 women were raped every day over the three months.
Although the number was alarming, Cele said sexual offences and rape cases had decreased by 9%.
In other news: Another steep petrol price hike expected in March



