Police Minister Firoz Cachalia addresses the media in Pretoria, revealing a 9.5% decrease in murder rates but emphasising the persistent threat of violence in South Africa.
South Africa recorded 546 fewer murders in the first three months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, with national murder figures dropping by 9.5%, Police Minister Firoz Cachalia revealed on Thursday during the release of the fourth quarter crime statistics in Pretoria.
The latest crime statistics, covering January to March 2026, show that murders declined from 5 727 cases last year to 5 181 this year. Violent “contact crimes” also fell by 4.6%, while serious armed robberies including house robberies, business robberies and robberies at non-residential premises all posted double-digit declines.
But despite the improvements, Cachalia warned that South Africa remains gripped by extreme violence.
“The levels of violence and criminality in South Africa remain far too high,” he said.
