SAPS to invest in tech to curb crime, says Mchunu

"Technology will be at the forefront of our efforts to combat crime more efficiently and effectively,” the minister said in Cape Town on Friday. 

"Our crime intelligence capabilities are being strengthened to provide better insights and strategic advantages in the fight against criminal networks.

"Enhanced intelligence is key to anticipating and countering criminal activities before they escalate."

Mchunu released the crime stats for the period between April and June. 

Rape cases climbed from 9,252 to 9,309, which represents a 0,6% increase from the first quarter.

Contact crime increased by 2.6% overall, with more than 153,637 cases recorded for the three-month period.

"These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page; they reflect the lived realities of our citizens, their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow,” said Mchunu.

"The data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We are confronted with a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and undermines the stability of our nation. Contact crimes, in particular, are wreaking havoc and instilling fear. This is unacceptable, and we must confront this challenge with unwavering resolve and strategic precision."

Mchunu said his priorities include reducing crime levels, professionalising the SAPS and uprooting corruption within it, investing in technology, and strengthening the Crime Intelligence Unit.

"The analysis of place of occurrence for murders in the first quarter crime statistics showed that the majority of the murders occurred in public places,” the minister said. 

"This was the case among all provinces, with the exception of Northern Cape, where the majority of the murders occurred at the residential premises of either the perpetrator or victim.

"Other prevalent places of occurrence for murder include liquor outlets and shebeens, agricultural premises, business premises, public transport premises and spaza or tuck shops.

"When we look at the causative factors for cases with five and more counts, a murder was reported in Ezakheni police station, in KZN, where twelve people were travelling in a bakkie, when another vehicle approached, and its occupants opened fire at the bakkie.

"Six succumbed to their injuries, four were injured and taken to the hospital, and two were unharmed."

SEE STATS BELOW: