The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) acknowledges the second-quarter crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. While the slight reduction in certain crime categories is noted, these figures highlight ongoing structural challenges, and the overall situation remains dire for the working class and marginalised communities.
Positive Trends:
1. Murder decreased by 5.8%
2. Sexual offences** down by 2.5%
3. Robbery with aggravating circumstances dropped by 8.8%
4. Rape fell by 3.1% These figures suggest modest progress, but compared to past statistics, they remain a small reprieve in a broader context of persistent violence. In the period between April 2019 and March 2020, under then-Police Minister Bhekokwakhe Cele, murder rates had surged by 1.4% to an alarming 21,325 cases, translating to nearly 60 murders per day. SAFTU reminds the public that such high numbers are typically seen in war-torn countries.
Despite the recent decline in murder rates, South Africa’s homicide rate still far exceeds global averages. Guy Lamb, Director of the Safety and Violence Initiative at UCT, highlighted that South Africa’s murder rate of 36 per 100,000 people is significantly above the international average of 7 per 100,000.
Persistent Challenges :
1. Attempted murder increased by 2.2%.
2. Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm rose by 1%.
3. Commercial crime saw an alarming spike of 18.5%, reflecting deeper socioeconomic issues. Policing Concerns: SAFTU continues to call for:
a) A well-resourced, well-trained police force capable of improving investigation standards and arrest rates.
b) Greater accountability within the SAPS to address corruption, mismanagement, and instances of police brutality—issues rooted in our country’s historical injustices.
c) We need immediate reforms to ensure that police serve the public with integrity and avoid excessive force, especially in marginalised communities and during lawful protests.
The tragic failure to hold police accountable for the Marikana Massacre remains a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues in our policing and justice systems.
SAFTU recognises that crime is often a symptom of broader social issues such as unemployment, inequality, and poverty. The working class continues to bear the brunt of both violent crime and systemic failures. The increased commercial crime further signals potential desperation and corruption driven by a struggling economy.
We urge the government to:
1. Address the root causes of crime by improving economic conditions and creating sustainable jobs.
2. Strengthen community policing initiatives and ensure law enforcement agencies are adequately resourced and corrupt-free.
3. Implement effective programs for rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders to prevent reoffending.
The Federation reiterates that crime cannot be reduced without addressing its root causes—poverty, unemployment, and underpaid struggling workers. As stated previously, our justice system remains dysfunctional: with arrest rates previously reported at 48% and conviction rates as low as 15%, particularly 11% for rape victims. Criminals, including rapists, continue to act with impunity, knowing the chances of facing justice are slim. A Call for Strengthened Policing Capacity.
SAFTU emphasises that an essential pillar in the fight against crime is strengthening the South African Police Service (SAPS) through strategic recruitment, specialised training, and resource allocation. It is crucial to:
1. Recruit More Officers: Increasing the number of police personnel is vital to improving visibility, reducing response times, and alleviating the burden on an overstretched force. A larger, well-trained police force can enhance community safety and reduce the prevalence of crime hotspots.
2. Specialised Training: Crime is evolving, with sophisticated networks involved in violent and commercial crimes. SAPS must invest in training officers for specialised roles—such as cybercrime, forensic investigation, and gender-based violence units—to effectively tackle modern criminal threats.
3. Enhance Resources and Infrastructure: Adequate funding for equipment, technology, and logistical support is non-negotiable. A resourceful police force, equipped with modern tools and adequate infrastructure, can improve investigative outcomes and enhance public trust.
A more robust, accountable, and professional SAPS is essential for crime prevention and restoring public confidence in law enforcement. The government must prioritise safety as a fundamental right and ensure every community feels protected and secure.
A Collective Fight :
South Africa’s battle against crime is intrinsically linked to its fight against social injustices. SAFTU calls on all sectors of society to work together, ensuring that our justice system gains social legitimacy and that the working class is protected from both crime and systemic.
