The latest crime statistics presented by Beki Cele reveal that the murder and attempted murder rates have increased. Although contact crimes have decreased by 4% the murder rate is a cause of concern because the death rate increase by 9% and is still on the increase.
Police Minister Beki Cele has been reporting to the Portfolio Committee on Police on Friday. The statistics seem to be disturbing because, the 6859 murders which are reported are 562 times more than what they were in the previous year. The murder has increased by 8.9% and the attempted murder increased by 3.5%.
There were 1240 cases of attempted murders on women as well as 15 692 cases of assault with the intent to do grievous body harm. With the fight against gender-based violence it has been evident that not much has been done to fight against this act. 902 women were murdered between October and December 2021.
Sexual offences crimes decreased by 9% when compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Between October and December 11 315 rape cases were reported. Despite the percentage decreasing the number is still high
What is more disturbing is the murder rate of children which stands at 22.6%. The crime statistics reveal that 352 children between 17 years or younger were killed, 349 were victims of attempted murder and 2048 were victims of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The latest crime statistics just show that enough is not done in the fight against the abuse of women and children. While the less severe crimes have decreased, the murder rate has had an increase of almost nine 9%.
Source: News24, SABC News, Times Live, image from News24
