The South African Police Service (SAPS) released the crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2023 fiscal year, covering the period from 1 October 2023, to 31 December 2023.
Unpacking South Africa crime statistics for third quarter of 2023
These statistics, released on Friday, 16 February 2024, offer a comprehensive view of the nation’s crime landscape, with a spotlight on key categories such as murder, sexual offences, cash-in-transit heists, mass shootings, kidnappings, and the activities of the so-called Construction Mafia.
Murder
The period witnessed a total of 7 710 murders, marking a 2.1% increase from the previous year, with 155 more individuals losing their lives.
This quarter was particularly more lethal compared to the preceding quarter (1 July – 30 September 2023), which recorded 6 945 murders.
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Notably, the provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, and Free State saw a reduction in murder rates, attributing success to focused attention and resource allocation to high-incidence stations.
Arguments and misunderstandings were the leading causes of these murders, with gang-related activities also prominent, especially in the Western Cape.
Sexual Offences
Sexual offences, including rape and assault, showed a slight decrease of 1.7%.
Six provinces reported declines in this crime category, indicating progress in the battle against gender-based violence.
The period also saw significant legal actions, with numerous perpetrators receiving lengthy prison sentences.
“It is clear that our efforts to prevent, combat and arrest criminals is proving to be effective. It is also quite clear with the number of arrests made, that OPERATION SHANELA is making its mark and putting a dent on serious, violent and organised crime,” Police Minister Bheki Cele said during his keynote address.
Cash-in-Transit Heists
Cash-in-transit heists decreased to 46 incidents, down from the previous reporting period.
This decline is attributed to successful law enforcement operations, which resulted in the arrest of over 75 suspects and the seizure of weaponry and vehicles used in these crimes.
” High calibre firearms including rifles and AK47s as well as high performance vehicles that were used in the commission of these crimes were seized,” Cele revealed.
Mass Shootings
There were six mass shooting incidents, alongside a mob justice attack in Diepsloot.
Authorities have made arrests in connection with these violent events, with several suspects awaiting trial.
“In the mob justice attack where five men were burnt to death in December 2023, five suspects were arrested and charged for the murders. They have already made several court appearances and their case was remanded to the 07th of March 2024. All five accused remain in custody,” Cele explained.
Kidnappings
Kidnapping for ransom remains a critical concern, with over 300 suspects arrested in the past two years.
Construction Mafia
Efforts against the so-called Construction Mafia have led to the arrest of 61 suspects involved in extortion at construction sites.
High-profile arrests have been made, including key figures involved in delaying major projects through criminal demands.
The Western Cape has been particularly active in addressing these crimes, with significant arrests made in disrupting criminal enterprises linked to the construction industry.
Is South Africa the most dangerous country in the world?
Based on the latest rankings for the most dangerous countries in the world and crime statistics, South Africa does face significant challenges but is not ranked as the most dangerous country globally.
The Global Peace Index (GPI) and other crime-related indices provide a broader perspective on global safety and security, considering a wide range of factors beyond crime rates alone.
The GPI, which measures the peacefulness of countries using various indicators, does not list South Africa at the very top of its ranking for danger levels.
Instead, countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria are often cited as facing the most significant challenges in terms of safety and security due to factors such as conflict and terrorism.
Moreover, when looking at the murder rate by country, while South Africa does have high crime rates, other countries exhibit higher rates or face more severe security issues.
For instance, countries in Central America and the Caribbean, like Honduras and Jamaica, have been noted for their high murder rates in the past, reflecting the complex nature of global crime dynamics.
Additionally, the Crime Index by Numbeo, which provides a contemporary snapshot of crime and safety perceptions worldwide, places South Africa with a high crime index but again not at the top of the list.
Countries like Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and Afghanistan rank higher in terms of their crime indexes, indicating more severe perceptions of crime and safety concerns.
Therefore, while South Africa confronts serious crime and safety issues, the notion of it being the most dangerous country in the world is not supported by the broader data available from global rankings and indices.
