Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has called on South Africans to resist the normalisation of criminal behaviour, warning that “established criminals” are turning lawlessness into a way of life.
Mchunu acknowledged the country’s ongoing battle with violent crimes, including murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm (GBH), and rape. He was speaking in Johannesburg on Monday during the release of the second-quarter crime statistics for July to September 2024.
Reflecting on the tenure of the 7th Administration, Mchunu shared progress updates, discussed persistent challenges, and outlined plans for the future. Gender-based violence (GBV), which he described as a national priority, remains a devastating issue requiring targeted interventions, specialised investigations, and collaborative solutions.
“We are battling the growing menace of organised crime and grappling with economic crimes like extortion and attacks on critical infrastructure, which threaten livelihoods and the economy,” Mchunu said.
Mixed Crime Statistics
From July to September 2024, reported serious crimes in 17 monitored categories declined by 5.1%. Contact crimes dropped by 3%, property-related crimes by 9.9%, and other serious crimes by 3.4%.
Key improvements included a 5.8% reduction in murders, a 2.5% decrease in sexual offences, and an 8.8% drop in robberies with aggravating circumstances. Rape cases fell by 3.1%, while residential and non-residential robberies declined by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively.
However, attempted murder, assault GBH, and commercial crime rose by 2.2%, 1.0%, and 18.5%, respectively.
“Despite these gains, high crime rates highlight the urgency of strengthening law enforcement, prevention measures, and community involvement,” Mchunu said.
Tackling Organised Crime
Mchunu pointed to successes in crime intelligence and specialised operations. In Gauteng, police disrupted drug syndicates and kidnappings. On 9 July, a raid uncovered mandrax and drug-making equipment worth R2.6 million, leading to four arrests. Later that month, crystal meth valued at R300 million was seized, and six suspects were arrested in connection with a kidnapping.
In Limpopo, authorities dismantled a clandestine drug lab in Groblersdal, recovering crystal meth worth R2 billion. Other operations led to the seizure of mandrax and equipment worth R3.3 million.
Festive Season Safety and Border Efforts
Mchunu reported that the SAPS’ safer festive season operations in the Western Cape have been effective, with illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs confiscated. Border policing efforts resulted in 6,610 arrests and the seizure of drugs valued at R498 million, along with firearms, explosives, and stolen goods.
Operation Shanela
Operation Shanela continues to yield significant results, with 262,396 arrests, 7,549 high-density operations, and over eight million actions executed to date. Public Order Policing achieved 2,756 arrests and confiscated counterfeit goods worth R22.2 million, along with firearms and ammunition.
“There is a need for close collaboration between the SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, and Home Affairs to ensure Operation Shanela remains effective,” Mchunu said.
Supporting Police Families
Mchunu revealed that 17 police officers were murdered during the reporting period—13 off-duty and four on-duty. He announced plans to explore how the SAPS can assist families in pursuing civil claims against those responsible, ensuring justice is served financially as well as criminally.
Quick Facts
Drugs worth R77.7 million were seized.
Five suspects were arrested for manufacturing drugs valued at R2 billion.
84 firearms, 2,069 rounds of ammunition, and seven explosives were confiscated.
58 cash-in-transit incidents were recorded, resulting in 49 arrests.
35 suspects were arrested in the VBS case, with four convictions secured.