While the latest statistics has shown a significant progress in crime fighting, with a decrease in most major crime categories recorded in the fourth quarter of the previous financial year, sexual offences and commercial crime remain a concern.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu presented the quarterly crime statistics, covering the period from 1 January to 31 March 2025, which reflect both encouraging improvements and areas requiring intensified efforts.
The report showed reductions across multiple crime categories.
However, sexual offences, including rape and contact sexual offences, as well as commercial crimes, recorded increases during the quarter.
The country’s four most crime-affected provinces, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and Eastern Cape, contributed the majority of murder cases nationwide.
Among the 30 police stations with the highest murder rates, include 13 registered lower incidents, while two stations recorded no change.
The report also saw the murder of 22 police officers, including six killed while on duty and 16 off duty.
Of these, Gauteng alone recorded 10 of these cases.
“This is not just a loss to the SAPS but to the entire nation. An attack on a police officer is an attack on the state, and those responsible will face the full might of the law,” Mchunu warned.
90-day GBVF blitz launched
In a bid to combat ongoing increase in sexual offences, Mchunu reported that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS), has launched a 90-day Gender – Based Violence and Femicide blitz (GBV+F blitz), which commended on 1 May 2025.
Mchunu said the initiative includes the revival of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF, which is tasked with coordinating government interventions, resolving systemic bottlenecks, and ensuring measurable progress.
He said the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (Nat Joints) is leading frontline safety and protection efforts.
The statistics showed an increase in reported rape cases, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal contributing 19.1% and 19.9% respectively to the national total.
However, five provinces, including Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and Western Cape, recorded declines in rape cases.
“While GBVF affects all genders, women remain disproportionately affected by rape, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (assault GBH), and murder,” Mchunu noted.
Over 4 000 illegal firearms registered
According to the report, firearms remain the most frequently used instruments in the commission of murder, followed by knives.
A total of 4 023 cases involving illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, were recorded during the quarter under review, a 2.7% increase compared to the same period last year.
Mchunu commended Operation Shanela for its ongoing success in delivering the results, which led to the seizure of 128 illegal firearms, and 82 arrest in just the past week.
“One of our stated priorities, is the eradication of illegal firearms and the tightening of control over legally owned firearms,” Mchunu said.
Increase in commercial crimes
The country has also recorded 4.7% increases in commercial crimes, with 1 581 counts recorded in the fourth quarter.
Gauteng and Western Cape recorded the seven highest numbers, with 12 074 cases reported in Gauteng, while 7 244 reported in Western Cape.
Mchunu commended the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) for their continued efforts, which led to 656 suspects appeared in court, including 364 linked to from serious organised crime, 220 from serious commercial crime, and 72 from serious corruption.
‘We urge the DPCI to remain steadfast in executing their constitutional mandate,” Mchunu said.
Nine percent decrease in stock-theft crimes
The report revealed an 8,9% decrease in stock-theft crime, which the Minister described as a serious threat to the agricultural sector and rural livelihoods.
“Stock-theft is one of the priority crimes for the police, as it not only threatens the financial stability of the country’s agricultural sector but undermines the livelihoods of countless families who depend on livestock for their sustenance and economic well-being.
“Back in March, we convened a stakeholder engagement in the Free State – this was well attended by various stakeholders from the Free State, KZN, Limpopo and Eastern Cape. The focus of the engagement was to engage those largely affected by stock-theft on the measures employed by the SAPS and to engage on what can be done in strengthening those measures,” the Minister said.
He said the engagement was successful, and the department has full confidence in the various Stock Theft Units throughout the country.
Mchunu also highlighted that the police recently recovered stolen livestock in Qumbu, Matatiele, Maclear and Tsolo, during their operations.
The recovered livestock included 231 cattle to the value of R2.7 million, 81 sheep worth over R160 000, and 78 goats worth over R150 000.
“We commend the various teams for this, and we urge them to remain vigilant and to continue in their efforts to fight stock theft,” Mchunu said.
Will the war on crime in South Africa ever be won?
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