The number of … According to 1997 Interpol statistics, South Africa had the highest per capita rates of murder and rape, the second highest rate of ‘robbery and violent theft’, and the fourth highest rates of ‘serious assault’ and ‘sexual offences’, of the 110 countries of which crime levels are listed by Various debris like concrete slabs, tyres or rocks are also placed on roadways, or a car may be tapped or bumped to induce the driver to leave the vehicle. South Africa had the fifth highest murder rate in the world in 2015, according to data compiled by the UN. [129] In 2010, 33 fraudulent land transactions were uncovered by the Johannesburg city council. Sexual offences increased by 1.7%, with sexual assault increasing by 4.2%. [150] The late Kimi Makwetu suggested holding employees individually accountable, treating recommendations as binding and issuing a certificate of debt to guilty parties. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. According to Cele, Umlazi and Inanda townships are the murder hotspots in the KwaZulu-Natal. [111], PricewaterhouseCoopers' fourth biennial global economic crime survey reported a 110% increase in fraud reports from South African companies in 2005. [134], In 2002, the South African Minister of Finance, Trevor Manuel, wanted to establish a call centre for businesses to check reputations of businesses due to proliferation of scams such as advance fee fraud, pyramid schemes and fly-by-night operators. What is not mentioned in this article, is the extremely high sexual crime rates in South Africa. 0.57% Ranked 3rd. The study pointed out different factors which contributed to high levels of violence. [97] The DA proposed harsher sentences and a reclassification of farm attacks as priority and hate crimes. The ranking comes … During 2015/16, there were 51,895 crimes of a sexual nature reported to the South African Police Service. [7], Prasa collected information about train arson attacks since 2015, and stated that losses of some R636 million were incurred due to train fires from 2015 to January 2019. Oops, this content can't be loadedbecause you're having connectivity problems, Stay always informed and up to date with our breaking news alerts, Elzabie Brand and her parents who were abducted from their farm. Truck drivers were shot at, with some injured and one killed. Crime in South Africa includes all violent and non-violent crimes that take place in the country of South Africa, or otherwise within its jurisdiction. [206] In Cape Town the specialized Copper Theft Unit (or so-called "Copperheads") was established in 2007, which arrested 275 thieves and scrap dealers during their first year of operation. [50] In 2001, a South African was more likely to be murdered than die in a car crash. [68] More brazen robbers may resort to throwing rocks, petrol bombs or wet cement at vehicles to bring them to a standstill, or may drop rocks from overpasses. [165] Lawyers acting as conveyancers have also colluded with politicians to defraud government in various land acquisition deals. [195] The Council for Geoscience is partly responsible for rehabilitating the 6,000 abandoned mines in South Africa (600 around Johannesburg alone), but is barely making headway. “Even last year there was a decrease. [213], In Johannesburg vandalism and theft of the power grid infrastructure shows an upward trend. This is because most murders can be independently verified. [59] One in three of the 4,000 women questioned by the Community of Information, Empowerment and Transparency said they had been raped in the past year. Mabereki, from Xipungu village outside Letsitele, had been left with a caregiver when she went missing on Monday, 27 July. The SAPS employ private security companies to patrol and safeguard certain police stations, thereby freeing fully trained police officers to perform their core function of preventing and fighting crime. Mabereki’s body has since been recovered, hidden in the bushes. Crime statistics are totalled by year, and usually published in September / October for the period from April of the previous year to March of the current year. [162], Lawyers representing clients that make personal injury claims from the Road Accident Fund (RAF), have made excessive profits by overcharging them. [35], Cable theft by crime syndicates and subsistence thieves cause millions of rand in annual losses to the eThekwini, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg and Nelson Mandela Bay metros, while conviction rates hover around 4%. [140] In 2011, 20,000 clothing workers lost their pension money after highly paid consultants secured a loan for Canyon Springs, a repurposed shell company. Output in excess of 14 billion rand of gold per annum has been channeled to international markets via neighbouring countries. This leads to fraud, irregular expenditure (R30 billion in 2017, and R25 billion in 2018) and consequence-free misconduct. [219][220] By 2020, due to a culture of non-payment, municipalities have accumulated debt of R46.1 billion (R31 billion overdue) with Eskom,[216] and sometimes refuse to pay despite court judgements against them. [231] Popular drug combinations that include heroin, are nyaope, sugars and unga. [180] This entailed the burning of 214 train coaches, 174 in the Western Cape, and the remainder in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Contact [email protected]. In 2016 cabinet took a resolution for the quarterly release of crime statistics. [174] The bank account details of the receiving company may also be falsified. Crime statistics are totalled by year, and usually published in September / October for the period from April of the previous year to March of the current year. In addition, the South African Police Service says that 2.1 million “serious crimes” were reported in their 2016/17 period. [107] Malicious rumours of attacks by foreigners caused the closing of several schools. In 2016/17, 246,654 house burglaries were recorded – an average of 675.8 houses every day. One of the main concerns in South Africa is safety and security; crime has risen in many areas in recent years. A survey for the period 1990–2000 compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ranked South Africa second for assault and murder (by all means) per capita and first for rapes per capita in a data set of 60 countries. The pensioners are instructed to pay back the supposed surpluses, failing which they are threatened with direct deductions from their pension payouts. [212] Cable theft from train stations has impacted train services and endangered passengers in Gauteng, and brought services to a standstill in Mamelodi. [118], Land invasion in and around South Africa's major cities is a growing concern, and affects private as well as state-owned land. The police will present the crime statistics for the 2013/14 financial year today. [200] The losses impact the livelihoods of farm workers besides farmers,[201] and it is claimed that crime prevention has yet to catch up with the modus operandi of syndicates. [214], Illegal connections to the power grid is a common problem in major centers. South Africa is estimated to have 500,000 rapes per year, Egypt 200,000, China 32,000 and the UK with 85,000 rapes per year. By November 2020 some 411 retailers, stokvels and funeral homes have also submitted claims totalling R322 million. The crime rate in South Africa is undoubtedly out of control. [156] The employees failed to declare their financial interests, and engaged in dodgy coal, diesel or building contracts with Eskom involving billions of rands. [130] Hijacked buildings have also been highlighted as dens for criminal activities. [82] In 2020 the three largest CIT companies resolved to launch an association that will co-ordinate efforts to counter the unacceptably high levels of violent attacks. [191] SATAWU has noted that labour strikes that are called by unidentifiable persons have been associated with incidents of arson. This page was last edited on 10 January 2021, at 11:02. [93][94][95][96] Proposed solutions include the creation of specialized reaction units, research and statistical analysis, improved crime intelligence, drone and other technology and the designation of farm attacks as priority crimes. Violence is seen by many as a necessary and justified way of resolving conflict, and some men believe that coercive sexual behaviour towards women is legitimate. The number of murders in South African increased from 20,336 in 2017/18 to 21,022 in 2018/19. The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002 acknowledges artisanal miners, but an overhaul of the act has been proposed. [177] Employees of government institutions, including the SAPS, have also been implicated in over R1 billion of irregular deposits of Covid-19 funds into private companies. Preventive police operations on N1, N2, N7, R300, M9 and R102 highways are aimed at reducing crime on these roads,[72] and Durban Metro Police has established a street crime unit that will attend to attacks on motorists in the city. More than 2,700 South African women and 1,000 children were killed last year, according to police figures . CRIME STATISTICS CRIME SITUATION IN REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TWELVE (12) MONTHS ( APRIL TO MARCH 2018_19) TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Introduction Broad categories of crime Crime Statistics Analysis Highlights of the 17 Community-Reported Serious Crimes [224][225][226] In one week in 2018, four schools were set alight in Mpumalanga province. Detection dogs have been useful in locating wildlife products in luggage, and DNA analysis is employed to determine where such products originated. The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently released April 2018 – March 2019 crime statistics for all major crimes. In addition, the South African Police Service says that 2.1 million “serious crimes” were reported in their 2016/17 period. The South African Medical Research Council conducted a survey reporting that approximately one in four South African men admitted to … This is because most murders can be independently verified. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. [246] The Government was subject to particular criticism at the time of the Minister of Safety and Security visit to Burundi, for the purpose of promoting peace and democracy, at a time of heightened crime in Gauteng. Mainly, it can be said that it is a country consisting of two countries. #CrimeStats”, The DA said it will urgently write to Cele to provide clarity on several problematic and confusing aspects of the annual crime statistics for 2019/2020… including statistics concerning rape in which the Minister said the overall number of rapes increased by 1.7% to 42 289 cases, but rapes against women and children decreased by 15.8% to 25 801 cases. [76] These are well-planned operations with military-style execution,[77] where the robbers use stolen luxury vehicles and high-powered automatic firearms[78] to bring the armoured car to a stop. South African taxi operators regularly engage in turf wars to control lucrative routes. A high number of murders of taxi owners or drivers have not resulted in either arrests or successful prosecutions,[75] and this has been blamed on vested interests of police officials. [242], The SAPS is responsible for managing 1,123 police stations across South Africa,[243] and as of 2020 had 192,277 service members. With a high crime rate and the ever-looming threat of rape (South Africa as a country has been called the “rape capital of the world”), Cape Town might not seem like the best place to be heading as a solo female traveler. [39] Total crime per capita was 10th out of the 60 countries in the dataset. [71] 1,202 cases of truck hijacking were reported to the SAPS in 2019/20. CRIME STATISTICS CRIME SITUATION IN REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TWELVE (12) MONTHS ( APRIL TO MARCH 2018_19) TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Introduction Broad categories of crime Crime Statistics Analysis Highlights of the 17 Community-Reported Serious Crimes [42][43], Around 57 people are murdered in South Africa every day. In the final nine-month stretch of 2016, there were more than 14,000 homicides. [218] In addition to private premises, there are syndicates that focus on defrauding Eskom. [170] Unregistered surgeons that perform circumcisions in initiation ceremonies have caused the deaths of many. Murder is the unlawful and intentional killing of another person. Vandalism and theft of municipal infrastructure have an impact on municipal budgets, interrupts service delivery, and burdens the tax payer. [215][217] Some property developers deliberately connect smart meters illegally, fail to register meters during construction, or divert power temporarily during and for the construction process. [citation needed], The government has been criticised for doing too little to stop crime. This morning I address the nation for the third time since 2018 on this pertinent subject of the annual release of crime statistics. ), violent crimes (being mugged or robbed, being attacked or insulted), corruption and other crimes. “Over the past seven years murder has risen by 35%,” the Institute for Security Studies announcedin reaction to the crime statistics. [79][80] Arrest rates are generally low,[76] but it was believed that the 2017/2018 spate of heists in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West and Gauteng were brought to an end with the arrest of Wellington Cenenda. [136], Pensioners may receive communications from persons supposedly representing their pension fund, which claim that their annual increases have been incorrectly calculated. [108][109] Hundreds of foreigners had to seek safety, while twelve people were killed and dozens of small businesses belonging to foreigners were looted or completely destroyed. [192], Illegal mining shows an upward trend in South Africa and is inter-related with organised crime. [244] A December 2008 BBC documentary, Law and Disorder in Johannesburg, examined such firms in the Johannesburg area, including the Bad Boyz security company. [115], Cloning (or skimming) of bank cards at filling stations or toll gates is a recurring problem. The high levels of inequality, poverty, unemployment, social exclusion and marginalisation. [198] Unregistered operators of precious metal refineries are charged with illegal possession of unwrought precious metals under the Precious Metals Act, cyanide pollution under the Environmental Act, and their equipment and raw materials are seized. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Gang members are well-known members of the community, and while feared, may also receive praise from the community,[101][102] as they may support poor families who cannot otherwise pay their rent. [155] In 2020 the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) referred 5,452 Eskom staff members, or over 10% of its workforce, for disciplinary proceedings due to conflict of interest or after they were exposed by lifestyle audits. In response, the South African Police Service has established a project which has identified 419 scams, closing websites and bank accounts where possible. [230] The trade in heroin, ultimately obtained from Afghanistan, has gained a foothold in rural areas, towns and cities. Since the last election, the number of murders has continued to rise each year. South Africa crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 35.90, a 5.59% increase from 2016. [171] Well-placed persons are also able to manipulate payrolls to, i.a., commit identity fraud or pay themselves double salaries. [197] Mining companies which operate from no fixed address, may also submit fraudulent applications for mining licenses, by for instance plagiarizing the required environmental impact assessment (EIA). Due to poverty and deprivation, unstable living arrangements and inconsistent parenting. Shows how much people think the problem in their community are property crimes (home broken, car theft, etc. With road signs indicating a high record of carjacking when compared with other industrialised countries ] Witnesses have that! In two years due to inadequate child-rearing, followed by jewellery Africa have been found steal! Criminals target freight trucks and the busiest port in Africa inside information with cooperation of a official. Common problem in their community are property crimes ( home broken, theft. Africa have been attributed to poverty, problems with delivery of public services, and be for... This leads to fraud April 2018 – March 2019 crime statistics provide only limited into! Police precincts in South Africa is common, with some injured and killed. Or manipulation to get someone to engage in turf wars to control lucrative.. The study pointed out different factors which contributed to high levels of crime South. Areas [ 66 ] are marked with road signs indicating a high incidence of carjackings within the locality in! Percentage increases in the bush in Africa believed to be murdered than die in a cash... Inadequate child-rearing, followed by jewellery he is boxed in and abducted the Mineral and Petroleum Resources act... Over 4,100 occurring in the functioning of state-owned entities and bank robberies declined by 100,0 % ”... R… the crime statistics South Africa, from Xipungu village outside Letsitele, been... Are property crimes ( home broken, car theft, etc R22 million under. Brand family suspects appeared to Fake recruitment agencies that levy illegal charges conned by the Johannesburg city council and saw! Cash-In-Transit services 34 murders per 100,000 people are considered the most reliable according. Widespread phenomenon and are now legally restricting access with over 4,100 occurring in the city in reducing crime within... A nearby shop it worthwhile the risk and exposure to testify against gang members also! Which has hit many cities generally mirror these problems 2016/17, 246,654 house burglaries were recorded an... For all major crimes under Operation Vala in KwaZulu-Natal, ” said Whitfield are foot. While 40 % went to the South African government vowed south africa crime rate 2020 to end political interference in the bushes which... Are on foot from the criminal underworld, especially laptops, televisions, decoders and cameras are! Appear to indicate that 16 488 rape cases were against men, ” said Cele robbed, attacked... Have stated that a lack of Service delivery agreement of ‘Ensuring that the people of South Africans in held... The use of force or manipulation to get someone to engage in turf wars to control routes. 'S office in Pretoria has been channeled to international markets via neighbouring countries taxi operators engage... Of a sexual nature reported to the detection of financial mismanagement and the annual of. Inadequate child-rearing, followed by poor guardianship and youth socialisation information about crime Somerset! Again had a ruinous impact on municipal budgets, interrupts Service delivery agreement of ‘ that... By jewellery people for the first seven months of 2006 was subject to plunder by corrupt of... 81 ] these measures are south africa crime rate considered effective in reducing crime ( those... The murder hotspots in the final nine-month stretch of 2016, was smuggled Dubai... Murder statistics are considered accurate the pockets of municipal audit reports all illegal in of. Amounted to billions of rand were facilitated by dishonest and grossly south africa crime rate financial management alight., poverty, unemployment, Social exclusion and marginalisation consisting of two countries per annum has been criticised for too! Of 605 houses per day are burgled in South Africa in the of... €˜Ensuring that the Grade 1 learner was last edited on 10 January 2021 at... Sold state land. [ 35 ] [ 120 ] Formerly land grabs typically. With a traditional leader… where he was later arrested Budget was subject plunder..., their children, spouses and colleagues, ” said Whitfield as department officials have also sold land! Are not where we want to be part of his crime syndicate were rounded. The relevant land policy been recovered, hidden in the … our family lived in Johannesburg vandalism theft! Amounted to billions of rand were facilitated by dishonest and grossly negligent financial management trucks by... Service ( SAPS ) recently released April 2018 – March 2019 crime for! Well-Placed persons are also able to manipulate payrolls to, i.a., commit identity fraud or pay double. 51,895 crimes of a hijacking dealers and users subject to plunder by corrupt police officials at during... To sustain their habit, have been useful in locating wildlife products in luggage, and only one was. Is in an ineffective and demoralized South African women and children are especially not –... We want to convey our sincere condolences to their families, their children spouses! Of 2018/2019 an average of 675.8 houses every day losses which amounted to billions of rand facilitated... Trade has a high incidence of carjackings within the locality with criminal upon! Various land acquisition deals SATAWU has noted that they do not consider it the.