Cabinet welcomes decline in murder and violent crime in latest SAPS statistics
Quarter 3 of 2025/26 figures from the South African Police Service reflect a sustained drop in violent crime, including an 8.7% decrease in murders.
Cabinet has welcomed the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) for Quarter 3 of the 2025/ 26 financial year, noting improved national trends while acknowledging ongoing challenges.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the downward trend in murder, which began in the first quarter of 2023/ 24, has continued.
Quarter 3 recorded an 8.7% decrease in murders, equating to 602 fewer deaths compared with the same period last year. Over two years, murders declined by 17.6%, representing 1 359 fewer cases.
Double-digit decreases were recorded in KZN, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State and North West. Smaller reductions were noted in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape, while Limpopo and Northern Cape recorded slight increases.
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Of the 30 precincts with the highest murder rates, only 15 reported declines, highlighting the need for targeted, community-level interventions.
Cabinet also expressed concern over the rising number of police officers killed. Twenty-three officers died during the quarter, about 80% of them while off duty. The National Commissioner of SAPS has been tasked with conducting a full assessment to prevent further fatalities.
Total contact crime, which includes all violent crime categories, declined by 6.7%, amounting to 12 682 fewer reported cases compared with the same quarter last year. Over two years, violent crime fell by 8.3%, or 15 763 cases.
Ntshavheni attributed the improvements partly to intensified policing operations.
In related governance matters, Cabinet commended the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) for its work at the Department of Home Affairs. Following a Presidential proclamation in February 2024 authorising the SIU to probe corruption in visa application processes, the department has strengthened the integrity of the immigration system.
“Cabinet also commended the Department of Home Affairs for progress made in closing gaps and ensuring all perpetrators are brought to justice,” Ntshavheni said.
