Western Cape police report significant crime reductions in Q4 2024/25

Police in the Western Cape have reported reductions in serious crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault, and robbery in the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

At a media briefing held in Green Point yesterday, SAPS Western Cape police commissioner Thembisile Patekile was joined by several high-ranking officials, including MEC for Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais, CPF Board chairperson Francina Lukas, and MP Dereleen James, as they analysed the provincial crime statistics. 

It followed the release of the national crime statistics released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on Friday. 

According to police spokesperson, André Traut, Patekile acknowledged that while proactive policing efforts and numerous anti-crime initiatives have been implemented across the province, more work remains to be done.

The commissioner emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration, calling on government departments and communities alike to continue supporting SAPS efforts.

"He emphasised the need for continued collaboration and called on other government departments and community organisations to intensify their support in the fight against crime," said Traut.

The briefing also highlighted that new rapid response interventions are being rolled out to further curb gang violence and criminal activity. These are expected to bring immediate relief to communities hardest hit by crime.

.According to the statistics, the four high-crime provinces—Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Western Cape, and the Eastern Cape - contributed the bulk of murder incidents nationally.

In respect of sexual offences, rape increased.

Gauteng and KZN contributed 19.1% and 19.9% respectively to the national total.

In the fourth quarter, decreases in rape statistics were recorded in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, and the Western Cape. 

Commercial crime increased by 1 581 counts in the fourth quarter, representing a 4.7% increase.

Gauteng -12 074 and the Western Cape - 7 244  recorded the highest numbers.

A total of 656 suspects appeared in court during this quarter: 364 from Serious Organised Crime,  220 from Serious Commercial Crime, and 72 from Serious Corruption. 

Mchunu said there has been a decline in various categories of crime and that police is adjusting its methods of fighting crime and adapting to the new trends and threats out there. 

“We are seeing significant decreases in most crime categories when compared to the same period in the preceding financial year. During this quarter, sexual offences, including rape and contact sexual offences, along with commercial crime, have shown increases. These are deeply concerning trends that demand renewed focus and urgent intervention,” Mchunu said.

“As the Ministry of Police under the 7th Administration, we have clearly outlined our policing priorities, these include: reducing the murder rate, reducing illegal firearms and tightening controls over legal firearms, fighting gender-based violence and femicide (GBV+F), dismantling organised crime, including drug trafficking syndicates, cash-in-transit heists, extortion, and kidnappings, tackling gang violence and combating corruption — both within the SAPS and across the country. Taxi violence is also receiving our attention, as we work together with the Minister of Transport,” Mchunu said. 

The annual crime statistics will be released in September. 

Cape Argus