Saftu warns crime will remain with socioeconomic crisis

By Thapelo Molefe

The SA Federation of Trade Unions as acknowledged the recent decline in violent crime as reported in the latest statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. 

However, it has emphasised that while this decrease is a step in the right direction, the overall crime levels remain “unacceptably high” and require urgent intervention from the state.

According to the latest data, South Africa has seen a 9.8% decrease in murder, a 3.3% reduction in rape cases, and a decline in hijackings and robberies. 

However, the federation warned that these statistics did not reflect the full reality of crime in the country. 

“These figures still reflect a nation under siege, where communities continue to live in fear, and working-class people remain vulnerable to violence and lawlessness.”

Despite the improvements, Saftu expressed serious concerns about certain crime categories that have worsened. 

“Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and