Latest crime stats reveal rape in schools is on the rise

JOHANNESBURG - The quarterly crime statistics have revealed a worrying increase in rape cases, with the Eastern Cape cited as the province with the highest rate per capita for rape countrywide.

Moreover, KwaZulu-Natal has recorded the most cases. 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the latest stats on Friday, indicating a general increase in most serious crime categories from murder to extortion.

The statistics have also highlighted an increase in rape cases in schools, with 91 reported and where most of the perpetrators are learners. 

The rape figures in the latest crime figures come just as Women's Month comes to an end.

The latest statistics show that rape is up by 57 incidents and sits at 9,309 cases in the quarter ending in June. 

READ: ‘Sobering’ quarterly crime stats with increase in murder, rape and extortion - Mchunu

The South African Police Service's major general, Norman Sekhukhune, said over 4,000 rapes occurred at a place of residence. 

"The places of occurrence for the rape withdrew from the sample of 7,165. It was indicated that 4,265 of the rapes happened at the residence of the perpetrator or victim. Second place was at a public place with 1,766," said Sekhukhune.

School learners have also been the targets with most perpetrators being fellow pupils. 

"Of the 91 rapes that had taken place at school we tried to look who are the perpetrators and who are the victims. In 44 incidents, the perpetrators were learners and victims were also learners," said Sekhukhune.

In terms of gender-based violence, Sekhukhune said 171 murders that were committed were between people known to each other.