Winde says despite drop in WC murder rate, challenges remain

Western Cape Premier Alan Winde and Community Safety Minister Anroux Marais have cautiously welcomed a decline in the province’s murder rate.

Winde announced a 4% reduction in murders during the fourth quarter of 2024–2025, following decreases of 7.7% in the third quarter and 8.7% in the second quarter. 

Despite the positive trend, Premier Winde stressed that significant challenges remain.

“The criminal justice system still remains under-resourced and not adequate to deal with the kind of violence we see in our province, especially gang-related violence which has raised its ugly head and we need to deal with it decisively.” 

Both leaders emphasised that sustained resources and targeted strategies are essential to continue driving down violent crime in the Western Cape.