There has been an increase of over a 1 000 murders in South Africa between July and September this year, compared to the same period last year.
This is an increase of just over 20%. These figures were revealed during the release of the crime statistics for the second quarter to members of parliament’s Police Portfolio Committee.
Police Minister Bheki Cele attributes the increase in certain crime categories, to the violent unrest in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng in July.
Attempted murder, rape, and assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm have also increased. However, robbery at residential premises, or housebreaking has decreased by just under nine percent.
National Police Commissioner Khehla Sitole attributed this to certain interventions, including the Country in Blue Campaign.
In August, Police Minister Bheki Cele released the quarterly crime statistics.
