Latest crime stats show a decrease in serious offences
The latest crime statistics show a decrease in the crimes feared the most by South Africans.
Minister of Police Nathi Nleko and Acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phalane tabled the crime statistics in the Portfolio Committee on Police in Parliament.
Major General Norman Sekhukhune presented the statistics and says contact crimes overall decreased by 1.9 percent over the 9 month period, from 1 April 2016 to 31 December 2016.
"One can see that across all the broad categories of crime, we've observed decreases. Contact crime decreased by 1.9 percent, contact-related crimes decreased by 2.6 percent, property-related crimes decreased by 0.2 percent and other serious crime decreased by 2.4 percent," said Sekhukhune.
Murder decreased by only 0.1 percent over the nine month period.
"Murder has decreased in five of the nine provinces, with the Northern Cape recording the highest decrease of 13.6 percent. Limpopo recorded a 12.1 percent decrease, Free State 7.2 percent decrease, Eastern Cape 1.8 percent decrease and the North West recorded a 0.7 decrease," said Sekhukhune.
The murder rate increase in the Western Cape by 0.7 percent, 1.7 percent increase in KwaZulu-Natal, 3.7 percent increase in Gauteng and Mpumalanga recorded an increase of 6.8 percent.
Sexual offences decreased by 6.3 percent.
"Sexual offences have gone down across all provinces, Limpopo being the highest reduction of 14.3 percent," said Sekhukhune.
Attempted murder decreased by 0.8 percent.
"The provinces that recorded decreases where KZN, Limpopo, the Free State and Gauteng," said Sekhukhune.
Robbery with aggravating circumstances increased by 6.1 percent.
"We have observed a 6.1 percent increase, or 6 193 cases more when compared to the previous nine months," said Sekhukhune.
