The National Crime Statistics covered the 2017-2018 financial year, covering the period from the 1st April 2017 to 31st March 2018. Despite the concerning statistics related to certain crime categories, the Commission has noted an overall 4.4% drop in the number of reported crimes in the 17 public categories. A total of 2.09 million crimes were recorded in the 2017-2018 financial year, down from the 2.12 million recorded in the previous financial year.

However, the Commission shares the reported sentiments of the Minister of Police when he was quoted as saying that South Africans are living in a war zone. With 20 336 murders in the last financial year, up from 19,016 murders in the previous financial year, South Africa has seen a significant 6.9% increase in murder rates within one year. Shockingly this means that on average, 56 people are murdered every day in South Africa.

Based on the 2016-2017 financial year’s crime statistics, South Africa’s total number of reported murders placed it 4th out of 219 countries monitored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). With the upward trend in murder for the latest financial year, the SAHRC is deeply concerned by the fact that the right to life and inviolability of life is so easily disregarded in South Africa.

The Commission is also deeply concerned with the rise and prevalence of contact crimes against women and children. According to the National Crime Statistics; the number of girls murdered, increased by 10.9%, whilst the murder of boys increased by 20.4%. Adult women murder victims increased by 11%. Sexual offences against women and children have increased as well, with 37 392 sexual offences against women being reported and 24 677 sexual offences against children being reported. Based on these crime statistics, women and children truly bear the brunt of violence within South African society.

With a down turn in the economy, an increase in unemployment, poverty and inequality, the Commission notes an increase in certain financial crimes as well, some of these crimes being fatally violent in certain instances. Cash-in-transit heists increased from 152 in the 2016-2017 financial year to 238 in the 2017-2018 financial year, a staggering increase of 56.6%.

The Commission, in terms of its mandate as set out in section 184 of the Constitution, does not focus on criminal investigations and prosecutions, however the Commission fully comprehends how crime negatively impacts on the rights set out in Chapter Two of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights.

The aforementioned non-derogable right to life; equality based on gender, sex, age and numerous other categories are violated by the various crimes listed in Minister Cele’s presentation to Parliament. For all within South Africa to truly appreciate and enjoy true freedom, dignity and equality as set out in the Bill of Rights, we need to feel safe from crime.

The Commission thus urges the South African Police Service to bolster their efforts in combatting crime and to conduct their detection duties in such a way as to bring those guilty of criminality to arrest, conviction and eventual sentencing. The Commission urges communities to remain vigilant, to co-operate with law enforcement and remain active, positive contributors to their societies.

The Commission is in discussions with the South African Polices Services around how the two bodies can work closer together in ensuring that the fundamental right of everyone in our country to be free from crime and violence – freedom and security of the person- is enjoyed by the majority of our people.  The Commission is committed to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that our people, women and children in particular, can feel safe in their homes and on our streets.

Ends
Issued by the South African Human Rights Commission

Gail Smith – Spokesperson Tel: 060 988 3792 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Gushwell Brooks – Communications Co-ordinator Tel: 082 645 8573 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.