Police Minister Bheki Cele.
- There were 21 325 murders in the previous financial year, an increase of 1.4%.
- Violent crime increased by 0.7% or 4 072 cases.
- There were 49 murders on farms and smallholdings.
There were 21 325 murders between 1 April 2019 and 31 March 2020, the police announced to the Portfolio Committee on Police on Friday.
This amounted to 303 murders more than the previous year – an increase of 1.4%.
The 2019/2020 figures translate into 58.42 (rounded down) murders per day.
In this period, there were 49 murders in 46 incidents on farms and smallholdings – two more than the previous year.
LIVE | SA’s murders increase 1.4% as Cele reveals annual crime stats
In the past financial year, 73 police members were killed – 38 while off duty.
Out of the 21 325 murders, perpetrators were confirmed to be under the influence of alcohol in in 1 430 cases.
Contact crimes increased by 0.7% or 4 072 cases in the year.
“Arguments/misunderstandings” was the leading cause of violent crimes, according to the police, with 75 996 cases. Domestic violence was second with 38 656 cases.
More to follow.
