South Africa’s murder rate saw a slight decrease between April and June 2024, according to the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Story Summary:
- SAPS has reported a slight decrease of 0.5% in murders from April to June 2024.
- KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape recorded the highest murder rates.
- Public places remain the most common locations for murder occurrences.
Murder situation slightly improves but remains high
The data for the first quarter of the 2024-2025 financial year, covering April to June 2024, shows a 0.5% decrease in murder cases compared to the same period in 2023.
A total of 6,198 murders were recorded, down from 6,228 in the previous year.
Despite this small improvement, the murder rate remains alarmingly high, with an average of more than 68 murders per day across the country.
Various contributing factors include gang violence, robberies, and vigilantism.
For instance, gang-related incidents accounted for 270 murders, while 382 murders were linked to robberies.
Provinces with the highest murder rate in South Africa
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) continues to lead the provinces in murder counts, with 1,455 murders recorded between April and June 2024.
This represents a decrease from the previous year, where KZN reported 1,584 murders.
Gauteng follows with 1,380 murders, also showing a decline from 1,489 the previous year.
The Western Cape, with its ongoing issues of gang violence, recorded 1,138 murders, an increase from 939 during the same period last year.
The Eastern Cape reported a slight increase in murders, with 1,169 cases, up from 1,139 in 2023.
This province has consistently been one of the most violent regions in the country, with a murder rate of 17.6 per 100,000 people.
This is followed closely by the Western Cape at 15.3 per 100,000 and KwaZulu-Natal at 12.3 per 100,000.
These provinces collectively contribute over 60% of the national murder tally.
Where you are likely to be murdered in South Africa
In terms of geographical hotspots for murder, public places such as streets, open fields, and recreational areas continue to be the most common locations for these crimes.
According to the SAPS report, 3,140 murders occurred in these public areas, making them the most dangerous settings in the country.
Residences, including those of the perpetrator or victim, also feature prominently, with 1,567 murders reported.
Liquor outlets, such as shebeens and taverns, are another critical area, with 224 murders recorded, showing the correlation between alcohol consumption and violent crime.
The statistics demonstrate the deeply entrenched nature of violent crime in South Africa, with certain provinces and public spaces bearing the brunt of this ongoing issue.