Murder, carjackings and robberies decline - GBVF rises

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has reported significant drops in major crimes such as murder, carjacking, and residential robberies between April and June 2026. Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, unveiled these figures in Pretoria. Murder cases dropped by 5.9%, from 5,770 to 5,427, resulting in 343 fewer deaths compared to the same period last year.

This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of declining murder rates. Sexual offences decreased by 98, carjacking fell by 846, and robberies at residential and non-residential premises declined by 944 and 366, respectively. However, Cachalia cautioned that while these improvements are promising, South Africa's overall crime rate remains alarmingly high, with an average of 58 murders daily during the previous quarter.

Cachalia highlighted the growing concern over Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), which affects women, children, and other vulnerable members of society. He pointed out that a small number of policing precincts are responsible for a disproportionate amount of violent crime. To address this, the SAPS plans to prioritize interventions in 140 high-crime police station precincts nationwide, providing targeted operational support, better oversight, and improved resource allocation.

Cachalia emphasized that sustained declines across these categories indicate that intelligence-led policing, targeted operations, and improved collaboration between law enforcement agencies are starting to make a difference. He also stressed the importance of broader social interventions to tackle the root causes of violence, particularly the role of alcohol, which often fuels violent incidents, especially on weekends and at night around unlicensed liquor outlets.

Cachalia stressed the need for a multifaceted approach, involving government, law enforcement, and communities, including Community Policing Forums, neighbourhood watches, traditional leaders, faith-based organisations, businesses, civil society, and ordinary residents. He cited recent arrests in Reiger Park, showcasing the effectiveness of community-police partnerships in combating crime.