In February 2025, the South African Police Service (SAPS) released the Third Quarter Crime Statistics, for the 2024/2025 financial year, covering the period from October to December 2024. The data presents a complex picture of our nation’s crime landscape, highlighting both commendable reductions in certain violent crimes and persistent challenges that continue to plague communities across the country.
Notable decreases in violent crimes
The statistics reveal significant year-on-year decreases in several violent crime categories:
- Murder: A 9.8% reduction, equating to 6,953 reported cases during the quarter, or an average of approximately 76 murders per day.
- Common Robbery: A 6% decrease, with 12,447 incidents reported.
- Assault: A 6.6% decline, totaling 54,337 cases, of which 16,023 involved women and 2,164 involved children.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) deserves recognition for the effort that has gone into achieving reductions in these crimes. October to December are usually associated with increases, and the SAPS has done an incredible job in keeping South Africans safer over the Festive Season.
Persistent challenges in crime rates
Sadly, though, South African cities still occupy the top 6 positions in Statista’s list of 11 African cities with the highest crime rates (in order, Pietermaritzburg, Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, Gqeberha and Cape Town). The latest Crime Statistics for the country reflect:
- 6 953 murders (or 76 people daily), and 7 666 attempted murder cases
- 54 337 assaults (or 591 daily), of which 16 023 were women and 2 164 were children
- 11 803 rapes (or 128 daily), and
- 12 447 common robberies and 36 446 commercial crimes.
Community perspectives and concerns
According to Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, Mr Ian Cameron: “The recorded decreases are contrary to the lived experiences of all South Africans who are confronted by the scourge of crime. While the decrease is welcomed on paper, these statistics will be meaningful when an average South African in Delft in the Western Cape, Mthatha in the Eastern Cape and Eldorado Park in Gauteng can walk the streets without fear of being a victim of crime.”
This statement highlights the importance of creating environments where citizens can navigate their communities without the constant fear of falling victim to crime – or resort to crime from a lack of support, income or resources.
The importance of vigilance and community engagement
While crime remains a part of South Africans’ lived reality, it is important to remain vigilant. The F.I.R.M. encourages you to familiarise yourself with the SAPS’s crime prevention tips and to participate in community collaboration opportunities in your area when they arise. This participation is one way the Portfolio Committee on Police has highlighted as an opportunity to build on the successes achieved over the festive season. The F.I.R.M. and its collaboration partners – including Jozi My Jozi, Vumacam, the SAPS and JMPD – have achieved a lot in the last year to improve safety for ordinary South Africans support crime prevention and detection. We remain committed to this path. Please visit our blog section for more tips to avoid becoming a victim of crime.