Crime Stats: A reflection of the horrific reality of being a woman in SA

30 August 2024

As Women’s Month comes to a close in South Africa, the latest quarterly crime statistics, once again paint a horrific picture of what it’s like to be a woman in this country. 

The data from the first quarter of 2024-25, released today, revealed increases in crimes against women and children year-on-year. 

966 women were murdered over the three-month period (up 7.9%), while there were 1 644 attempted murders (16% increase) of women and 13,757 women assaulted with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (6.9% increase)

There were also 314 children murdered (7.2% increase), and 242 attempted murders recorded (20% increase).

Reported rape cases saw an increase of 0.6% to 9,309 cases in just three months. 

These gruesome figures form part of the overall 2.6% increase in contact crimes in South Africa. Police recorded 6 198 murders across the country which translated to an average of almost 69 per day.

As GOOD, we maintain that a number of abnormal conditions in South African society contribute to the excessive crime rate, including poverty and the relatively low percentage of criminals who are convicted for their crimes.

While police have a role to play in crime prevention, it’s the under-development of our people and communities that is the biggest culprit. 

Government departments, from Human Settlements to Education, to Social Development, must do more to contribute to creating communities conducive to human development, the development of youth in particular.

More funding must go to neighbourhood watches and police forums to operate as the eyes and ears of the police, and less to VIP security.

We are failing our women and children - when will we say, enough is enough, and get our priorities straight?

Issued by Brett Herron, GOOD: Secretary General & Member of the Western Cape Parliament, 30 August 2024