Crime statistics by category, province and reporting period.
3 datasets · Last updated 20 September 2024
Crime Statistics
Annual
Last updated: 20 September 2024
Source: SAPS
Release: Crime Statistics Report
Level: national
Recent history
Murder Cases
4.6%26,232
casesfrom 2022/23
Total murder cases reported nationally for the 2023/24 financial year (April 2023 – March 2024). This is the first decline in four years, equating to approximately 72 murders per day. The rate is 41.9 per 100,000 population.
Murder Cases has increased by 5896.0cases from 2017/18 to 2023/24 — a concern.
Contact Crimes (Total)
4.0%561,947
casesfrom 2022/23
Contact crimes include assault GBH, common assault, robbery with aggravating circumstances, common robbery, sexual offences, and murder. Total contact crimes declined for the 2023/24 reporting period.
Contact Crimes (Total) has increased by 30143.0cases from 2019/20 to 2023/24 — a concern.
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances
3.1%162,618
casesfrom 2022/23
Robberies involving a weapon, violence, or the threat of violence for the 2023/24 financial year. This category includes carjacking, truck hijacking, house robbery, and bank robbery.
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances is rising after a period of decline. The 2019/20–2023/24 trend shows a clear turning point around 2021/22.
Murder Cases fell by 1262.0 cases from 2022/23 (27494) to 2023/24 (26232) — a positive development.
Over the 7-period dataset from 2017/18 to 2023/24, Murder Cases has increased by 5896.0cases — a net deterioration. The highest recorded value was 27494 (2022/23) and the lowest was 20336 (2017/18).
Crime has significant economic and social costs in South Africa — it deters foreign investment, suppresses tourism, and forces households and businesses to spend heavily on private security. Murder Cases at 26,232 reflects one of the most visible quality-of-life indicators in the country.
Crime statistics are released annually by SAPS for April–March financial years. Under-reporting is a significant factor, particularly for sexual offences and domestic violence. Murder rate is considered the most reliable indicator as it is hardest to misclassify. South Africa's rates remain far above global averages. This figure is drawn from the Crime Statistics 2023/24, published by South African Police Service.
Murder Cases has increased by 5896.0cases from 2017/18 to 2023/24 — a concern.
Contact Crimes (Total) has increased by 30143.0cases from 2019/20 to 2023/24 — a concern.
Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances is rising after a period of decline. The 2019/20–2023/24 trend shows a clear turning point around 2021/22.
Data Source
South African Police Service
Crime Statistics 2023/24
Published 20 September 2024