By: Natasha Archary
The latest crime statistics reveal a shocking increase in murder and rape in South Africa between October and December 2022.
Police Minister Bheki Cele released Quarter 3 crime statistics on Friday, 17 February at 12h00.
A staggering 10.1% increase in the murder rate in the country was the biggest takeaway from Cele’s presentation.
Murder has gone up from 6 859 in 2021 to 7 555 for the period of October to December 2022.
In addition, attempted murders were also a cause for concern, with a 24.3% increase, from 5 645in 2021 to 7 016 cases in 2022.
Another alarming statistic is that the number of rape cases during the above mentioned period increased by 9.8% to 12 419 people who were raped.
In contrast, 11 315 people were raped in the country in 2021.
The Minister noted a slight decline in the number of cash-in-transit heist that occurred during the reporting period. There was a 5% decrease in CIT heists compared to the 60 that took place in 2021.
Cele said over R1.8 billion has been injected in the improvement of every day work by policemen and women on the ground.
“This money is being used to buy much needed SAPS vehicles and other equipment needed for operations.
To date in the current financial year, 3 229 more high powered vehicles have been bought. These vehicles will supplement highway patrols, flying squad units to respond effectively to crime.”
Police Minister Bheki Cele
The Minister also said that 52 711 arrests were made for murder, sexual offences, assault and hijackings in Q3.
Watch: Release of Crime Stats for Q3 of 2022/2023. https://t.co/4eN5QecYUB
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) February 17, 2023
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