By Johnathan Paoli
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has praised the 5.1% decline in serious crimes over the last quarter, saying the police are committed to strengthening law enforcement across the country.
The decline reported between July and September shows murder dropping by 5.8% and sexual offences by 2.5%.
Property-related crimes as well as robbery at non-residential premises marked a decline of 9.9% and 21.1% respectively.
Rape incidents and robbery with aggravating circumstances fell by 3.1% and 8.8%; however, attempted murder, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and commercial crimes rose by 2.2%, 1% and 18.5%.
Mchunu was delivering a detailed review of South Africa’s second-quarter crime statistics and reflecting on his first 100 days in Pretoria on Monday.
“This is an important moment for our country as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the safety and security of our communities, while also assessing the progress we have made in the fight against crime,” he said.
The minister said 35 suspects, including 27 individuals and eight companies, were arrested in connection with cases from recommendations from the Zondo Commission into state capture. Three of these cases were finalised, resulting in one conviction with a 15-year fraud sentence.
Thirteen off-duty and four on-duty police officials were murdered.
Mchunu acknowledged the mixed results, and emphasised that while strides had been made, high levels of violent crime demanded sustained intervention.
He highlighted the need to disrupt entrenched criminal networks, particularly those operating within correctional facilities and said his ministry was prioritising efforts to combat organised crime, including extortion, crimes targeting critical infrastructure and economic offences.
The minister emphasised the need for a holistic societal approach to fighting crime, saying recent agreements with metros aimed to bolstering local policing would help enhance efficacy.
“The path forward demands unity of purpose, not just among law enforcement agencies, but across all sectors of society. We must remain vigilant, steadfast and united in our shared goal,” the minister said.
Mchunu reflected on reforms undertaken during the 7th administration, including restructuring the SAPS to align with real crime dynamics and a modern service that protected all people, regardless of background.
Meanwhile, Democratic Alliance police spokesperson Ian Cameron said that while the statistics illustrated a step forward in the fight against crime, it presented no reason for complacency.
“Minister Mchunu’s leadership has brought some notable strides in combating crime, particularly through strategic operations and inter-departmental collaboration.
“However, the minister’s own reflections on persistent challenges, such as resource constraints and gaps in technology, underscore the urgency for deeper systemic reform,” Cameron said.
He said it remained vital to sustain the momentum, address structural weaknesses and ensure that every South African feels the impact of a safer, more secure society.
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