Between Oct and Dec 2024, highest decrease in murder rate since lifting of COVID-19 restrictions
Despite alarming figures, there was a 9.8% reduction in murders in the last three months of 2024 comparison to the same period in 2023.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu in Hanover Park, Cape Town, on 20 July 2024 addressing residents on measures to curb the rampant crime in the area and surrounds. Picture: @SAPoliceService on X
JOHANNESBURG - Between October and December 2024, the country recorded the highest decrease in murders since the lifting of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions.
Almost 7,000 murders were committed in the last three months of 2024, equating to almost 77 people being murdered every day.
Despite these alarming figures, there was a 9.8% reduction in murders in comparison to the same period in 2023.
Announcing the third quarterly crime stats in Pretoria on Friday morning, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, said while murders were down across the country, certain provinces still needed to be prioritised for police intervention.
Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) remain the highest contributors to overall national murder figures, accounting for 25.0% and 21.4% respectively, followed by the Eastern Cape at 18.9% and the Western Cape at 17.4%.”