‘Sobering’ quarterly crime stats with increase in murder, rape and extortion - Mchunu
The statistics for the first quarter from April to June 2024 showed a 2.6% increase in contact crimes compared to 2023, as well as an increase in rape cases, which climbed from 9,252 to 9,309 - a 0.6% increase.
Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu at a media briefing for the April-June 2024 quarterly crime statistics on 30 August 2024. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN – Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu says the latest quarterly crime statistics are "sobering", with murder, rape, and extortion all showing an increase.
The statistics for the first quarter from April to June 2024 showed a 2.6% increase in contact crimes compared to 2023.
The quarter under review also showed an increase in rape cases, which climbed from 9,252 to 9,309 - a 0.6% increase.
Mchunu said the latest figures are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action by the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Mchunu on Friday released the first set of crime statistics as the minister of police in the GNU.
But the latest figures paint a very bleak picture of the situation in the country.
There were 6,198 people who were killed in the first quarter of the current financial year.
“The stats that we will release today are quite sobering. They reflect the severity of the challenges we are facing. These figures represent more than just figures on a page - they reflect the lived realities of our citizens.”
Mchunu said all the top crime stations are only in four provinces: Western Cape, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and Eastern Cape. Limpopo is the safest province as far as murder is concerned.