The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) continues to be alarmed by high crime levels. The recent crime statistics by the South African Police Service (SAPS) show that South Africa is a violent society and that efforts to combat crime appear to be failing.
Murder has increased from 6 945 in the third quarter to 7 710 in the fourth quarter of 2023. On average, this means there were 84 people killed daily in the fourth quarter of 2023, an increase of 9 people from the 75 that were being killed in the third quarter. This alarming rise in murder is not surprising; it is a direct consequence of the stabbings, shootings and carnage in our townships and villages.
Even though there was a slight decline in rape incidences recorded, rape has remained high at 12 211. This translates into 133 people raped daily between October and December 2023. This illustrates the harrowing conditions women face, especially in working-class communities.
The high levels of depravation and scarcity demonstrated in record unemployment, poverty, and inequality give birth to the alarming crime we are witnessing in our country. This is illustrated also by a high number of property-related crimes such as hijacking, burglary, robbery, stock theft and shoplifting. The decline in the rule of law due to corruption in law enforcement agencies and budget cuts to state security agencies has contributed to the perpetuation of violence in our society with lesser consequences for the perpetrators. For instance, there is a dismal arrest and conviction rate of especially construction mafias, corrupt officials and inkabis.
