Rising Trends: A Closer Look at South Africa's Latest Crime Statistics

The latest South African Police Service (SAPS) crime statistics for Q4 2023/2024 and Q1 2024/2025 were released and reveal significant insights into the state of crime across the country. The data highlights not only current crime hotspots but also details emerging trends, such as non-residential robberies which continue to evolve in both scale and method.

Extortion Crisis in South Africa: A Threat to Business Stability

Extortion, often disguised as "protection money," has become a significant issue in South Africa, disrupting the economy and costing lives. The practice, which started in remote areas, has now entrenched itself in urban settings, creating a complex and dangerous landscape that is proving challenging to dismantle.

Underreported and Distrusted: Insights into South Africa's Lack of Confidence in Law Enforcement

Less than half of South Africa's housebreaking victims report the crime to the police, with many believing that law enforcement won't take action. This insight comes from Statistics South Africa's (Stats SA) 2023/2024 Victims of Crime Report, which used a sample size of 30,000 households across the country.

The Rising Toll of Copper Theft

Copper theft is a significant and growing issue in South Africa, fuelled by rising unemployment and economic hardship. The country is grappling with two distinct forms of copper theft, petty theft by individuals driven by desperation and sophisticated operations conducted by organised crime syndicates. Both forms of theft are causing widespread disruption, affecting the economy, infrastructure, and service delivery.

Funding Cuts and Contract Terminations Spark Protests Among EPWP and DSW Workers

In a significant blow to the workforce, 3,000 workers under the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and Durban Solid Waste (DSW) lost their jobs on July 31, 2024, as their contracts were ended suddenly. This decision has sparked widespread unrest and protests among the affected workers and union representatives.

Understanding Social Disorganisation Trends: A July 2024 Report

Social disorganisation trends for the month of July have been released and offer valuable insights into current unrests in the country.
These unrests reflect the public’s response to various grievances through protests, marches and strikes. By understanding these patterns, we can anticipate where and why future disturbances might arise

South Africa's Gender-Based Violence Crisis: Unsolved Cases and Growing Concerns

As South Africa continues to observe Women’s Month, the recent murder of a woman at a Durban mall by her ex-boyfriend has highlighted the country’s ongoing battle with gender-based violence. Despite the National Strategic Plan launched in 2020 to tackle this issue, violence against women continues to rise.

Rising Tide of Contact Crimes in South Africa Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Security Measures

The attempted assassination of senior advocate Coreth Naudé last week comes as the latest in a rising tide of contact crimes, including kidnappings in South Africa. Two gunmen opened fire on her as she arrived at her Umhlanga hotel, critically wounding her. According to News24, Ms Naudé survived emergency surgery.

2024 Election Update

President Ramaphosa is expected to announce his inclusive government of national unity (GNU) Cabinet within the next 48 Hours.

According to a News24 the report, a source close to Ramaphosa, who is not authorised to speak to the media, confirmed that the president was expected to make the all-important announcement on Thursday.