Crime-free SA possible by 2059: StatsSA

Lehohla released the 2016 report on the extent and circumstances surrounding housebreaking, burglary and home robbery. 

This report is an in-depth look and analysis of the 2015/16 victims of crime survey data.

Lehohla says in order to achieve a crime-free South Africa, government will need to make certain interventions.

"SAPS crime statistics show that total crime as a percentage of the population (per capita crime) has been steadily decreasing since 2005. However, the rate is too slow. At this rate, the goal of eliminating crime will be achieved in 2059 instead of in 2030, as envisaged by the National Development Plan," says Lehohla.

ALSO READ: Latest crime stats show a decrease in serious offences

Lehohla says half of all crimes are committed at people's homes. 

"Over 50 percent of all crimes experienced by households in South Africa in 2015/16 were housebreaking. Home robbery was the second (11,9 percent) most common type of crime experienced by South African households," says Lehohla.

Lehohla says there has been a growing perception that crime is on the increase, despite a recorded decrease over the last five years.

"People, as represented by household heads from sampled dwellings, were more afraid in 2015/16 to walk alone in the dark in their neighbourhoods than they were five years ago," says Lehohla.