Violent crimes have increased by 3.4% between January and March 2023 as compared to the same period last year. According to police statistics presented to the Portfolio Committee on Police this morning, 6 289 murders were committed in the first three months of the year. Police Minister Bheki Cele has expressed frustration over the increase in violent incidents and murder in Mzansi. 

MORE WOMEN AND CHILDREN MURDERED 

The murder rate increased by 206 from the last quarter and currently stands at 6,289 cases in the reporting period. Cele said it cannot be normal that there is an increase in murder all the time. "It cannot be that we continue with the situation that we have," said Cele. The Minister said defenceless women and children continue to be victimised and killed. "More than 900 women were killed in the last three months which is an increase of 7, 9%. There was also an increase in the murder of children, as more than 245 children were killed during the same period," he said. Cele said they will leave no stone unturned in investigating these cases. "We will not allow a situation where women and children live in fear in the country." Meanwhile, assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) repored 43090 cases, which is an increase of 0.7%. In addition, 49 266 common assault cases were reported, which represents an increase of 7.6% during the fourth quarter.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL

Between January and March 2023, 19 people were murdered with drugs as a motivator; in 217 cases alcohol was the cause. When coming to sexual assault and rape, 100 cases were committed with drugs as a motivator and 1 237 cases where alcohol was the cause. On assault: there were 160 cases with drugs as a motivator; 3 123 cases where alcohol was the cause. "We have not managed to prevent the death of a single South African through criminality. We are not getting out of the tunnel, but we can see a little bit of the light, we just hope it is not the train," said Cele.