The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has provided a comprehensive update on the second quarter crime statistics for 2024/2025 and outlined its plans to combat crime during the festive season and beyond. Addressing members of the media during a briefing, the government reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring public safety through collaborative initiatives and targeted strategies.

Second Quarter Crime Statistics Overview

The crime statistics, covering the period of July to September 2024, revealed a marginal increase of 0.1% in the 17 community-reported serious crimes. A total of 63,666 cases were reported, with 20,794 arrests made under this category.

Top 8 stations in KZN contributing to crime volumes (appearing in the National Top 30):
• Durban Central (-13.1%)
• Phoenix (+0.6%)
• Chatsworth (+9.5%)
• Plessislaer (-0.4%)
• Inanda (+5.3%)
• Verulam (+9.2%)
• Empangeni (-4.6%)
• Pinetown (-8.7%)

Key Crime Categories

Contact Crimes (Crimes Against Persons):
• A 1.5% increase was noted, primarily due to rises in:
• Attempted Murder (+3.9%)
• Assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (+7.5%)
• Common Assault (+7.1%).
• Decreases were recorded for:
• Murder (-10.9%)
• Sexual Offences (-2.0%).

Murder Analysis:
The province registered 1,428 murder cases, including 71 multiple murder incidents involving 164 victims. While overall murders declined, rural areas and townships remain high-risk zones, with arguments, robberies, and retaliation being key causes. Alarmingly, 186 victims were women and 77 were children.

Top Stations for Murder (National Top 30):
• Inanda (+6.6%)
• Umlazi (-36.7%)
• Ntuzuma (increase of 6 cases)
• Mpumalanga KZN (+10 cases)
• Plessislaer (-3 cases)
• Mariannhill (-6 cases).

Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances and Trio Crimes:
Notable improvements were seen in Carjacking (-17.3%) and Robberies at residential and non-residential premises. However, Cash-in-Transit robberies rose to 11 incidents compared to 8 last year, with crime syndicates continuing to pose challenges.

Strengthened Crime-Fighting Capacity

Recognizing resource challenges faced by the South African Police Service (SAPS), the provincial government announced the donation of 36 vehicles worth over R14 million. These vehicles will bolster law enforcement capabilities across priority stations. KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, welcomed the initiative, stating it would significantly aid in tackling crime hotspots.

Festive Season Safety Plan

With the festive season underway, the provincial government has unveiled intensified safety measures, including the deployment of 656 new police constables to key stations. Additional support will come from 198 RTI officers, 467 authorised officers, and 124 Metro Police constables.

Key measures include:
• Increased visibility in crime hotspots and areas affected by faction fights such as Nongoma, Nquthu, Loskop, and uMzimkhulu.
• Tightened operations at ports of entry and border gates in collaboration with the Border Management Authority.
• Joint law enforcement raids focusing on food safety inspections in spaza shops following incidents of expired goods being sold.

Addressing Societal Challenges

The government emphasized the need for broader community involvement in fighting crime, particularly addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and crimes against children. Community leaders were urged to engage with authorities before resorting to protests, while residents were encouraged to avoid harboring criminals.

Conclusion

KwaZulu-Natal Premier and provincial leadership reiterated their commitment to tackling crime through a multi-faceted approach, including the recent launch of the KZN Council Against Crime (CAC). The council will monitor and devise integrated strategies to fight crime over the next five years.

As the festive season continues, the provincial government assured residents and visitors alike of its dedication to maintaining safety. “We wish to thank the brave men and women in law enforcement for their tireless efforts in ensuring a crime-free KwaZulu-Natal,” the Premier concluded.

For latest news and information updates follow the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government’s official social media platforms.