Gauteng leads in contact crime

CRIME fell across much of South Africa in the latest quarterly statistics, but Cape Town and eThekwini again recorded the country's highest levels of contact crime even as Gauteng remained the single biggest contributor to the national total, accounting for 26.4% of all cases.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU AND SATURDAY STAR REPORTER

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Gauteng also saw reductions in carjackings, residential robberies and other trio crimes, reflecting national trends.

Four of the top five stations nationally were in Cape Town, while Limpopo recorded the lowest murder rate per 100 000 people.

The report also revealed that most murders occurred in public places, highlighting the ongoing threat to communities.

Cachalia, who released the crime statistics yesterday, was joined by Deputy Minister Polly Boshiel, Deputy National Commissioner for Policing Lt-Gen Tebello Misikili and other senior police officials.

Registrar Major General Thulare Sekhukhune delivered the detailed presentation.

Sekhukhune opened with the murder statistics, noting a significant drop.

"In the current quarter two, we have recorded 751 fewer murders compared to the previous period. Previously, we had 6 545. Currently, we are at 5 794, and the percentage reduction is 11.5," he said.