- Overall crime fell in most categories but attacks on women and children have risen, with 957 women murdered in three months.
- Police minister says they must improve intelligence and forensics to better fight gender violence.
Despite a 5.8% drop in the murder rate, incidents of violence against women and children in the country have increased during the past quarter.
This is according to the latest crime statistics released by police on Monday.
The shocking statistics were announced ironically on the first day of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
South Africa’s murder rate dropped 5.8% between July and September, said Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Mchunu said while most serious crimes fell, 957 women were murdered in just three months — an 8.6% rise from last year.
Attacks on children jumped even more, with attempted murders up 35.7% to 490 cases, compared to 361 last year.
“Gender-based violence, which has become a national priority crime, requires our distinct focus as it continues to devastate families and communities,” Mchunu said.
The statistics show some positive trends, with sexual offences dropping by 2.5%, robbery falling by 8.8%, and property crime decreasing by 9.9%.
Overall, 17 types of serious community-reported crimes dropped by 5.1%.
However, Mchunu admits police need to improve in key areas.
“Since the inception of the seventh administration, divisions which we have sought to strengthen are our crime intelligence, technology and forensics. In all three, we are not where we should be,” he said.
The minister revealed the figures while offering a review of his first 100 days in office and the police’s achievements under the new administration.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: Police Minister Senzo Mchunu reading out the latest figures on Monday.
Source: Senzo Mchunu/X
