While the number of people murdered in South Africa increased by 2.1% between October and December, sexual offences crimes dropped by 1.7%, and the DNA backlog has been eradicated.

This is according to Police Minister Bheki Cele who released the third quarter crime statistics, for the period October 1 to December 31, yesterday.

“There has been significant progress in the finalisation rate of DNA cases and the eradication of the historic DNA backlog, which is now zero.

“In the 2021/2022 financial year, there was a backlog of 251 000,” said Cele, adding that the expansion of the DNA lab in Gqerberha, which was opened by the president in August 2023, ‘contributed immensely’ to the processing of more DNA samples in the country.

Murders increase

The minister said the number of people murdered increased by 2.1%, with 155 more people being murdered during the quarter.

Most of the top 30 stations where murder was most reported are in the Western Cape, KZN, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

The top five stations where murders were reported are in Inanda (KZN), and Mfuleni, Gugulethu, Nyanga and Khayelitsha (Western Cape).

“It is also concerning that of the 268 gang-related murders, 250 were reported in the Western Cape,” said Cele.

Sexual offences decrease

Sexual offences crimes including, rape, sexual assault and contact sexual offences all registered an overall 1.7% decline, the minister said.

“Rape declined by 1.7 %, with six provinces, namely, Gauteng, Eastern Cape, KZN, Limpopo, Northern Cape and Western Cape all registering a decline.

“More than 2 400 raids led to 4 264 arrests for gender-based violence-related crimes.

“What is of great concern is that the majority of the rapes were committed at victims’ residences. The perpetrators were either neighbours, friends or family members.”

Cash-in-transit heists reduced

The number of cash-in-transit (CIT) heists reduced by 11, to 46.

“More than 75 CIT heist suspects were arrested.”

Interesting festive season arrest highlights:

• Common assault and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm: 32 229
• Murder and attempted murder: 4 882
• Sexual offences, such as rape and attempted rape: 4 783
• Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs: 6 383
• Dealing in drugs: 3 747
• Possession of drugs: 16 942
• Possession of illegal and prohibited firearms and ammunition: 2 581

Watch the minister’s full speech below: