-
Police crime scene tape
Criminologist, Professor Kholofelo Rakubu says the second quarter crime statistics do not truly reflect the country’s crime landscape.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu released the quarterly crime stats which indicate that sexual offences have decreased by 2.5%, murder decreased by 5.8% and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8.8%.
The minister was speaking at the release of the second quarter crime statistics for the 2024/25 financial year. This is the period from July to September.
Mchunu also noted that policing at all ports of entry needed to be overhauled urgently. He added that illegal mining remained a serious threat to the economy.
Crime statistics for July to September 2024:
Prof Rakubu has questioned how many rape survivors decided not to report the crime despite a reported decrease.
“The SAPS will always try to paint a beautiful picture, but at some point, it’s not even on par with the crime landscape. So, I take note of the rapes being reported with a decrease, yet I wonder how many victims decided not to respond due to challenges and loopholes within our justice system. That should remain.”
Prof Kholofelo Rakubu unpacks the second quarter crime statistics:
Meanwhile, the Minister says Festive Season crime drives are already yielding results, and drugs, arms, and ammunition have been recovered by police during these operations.
