Cape Town: Cabinet has welcomed the release of the 2nd quarter crime statistics, which show that law enforcement agencies’ efforts to turn the tide in the fight against crime are starting to yield results, with a decrease in both murder and violent crimes. Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing held in Cape Town on Thursday, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni highlighted the positive changes in crime rates across South Africa.

According to South African Government News Agency, the murder rate in South Africa has decreased by 5.8%, while sexual offences saw a reduction of 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 8.8%. Ntshavheni also noted a 3.1% decrease in rape cases, alongside a reduction in robberies at both residential premises by 1.3% and non-residential premises by 21.1%.

The Cabinet also commended the arrest of a 39-year-old Mexican national for dealing in and manufacturing drugs, as well as contravening the Immigration Act. This arrest followed a multi-disciplin
ary operation led by police, which uncovered a drug laboratory in Rietfontein, Johannesburg, valued at approximately R100 million.

In another significant operation, the South African Police Service (SAPS), through an intelligence-driven initiative, confiscated a container carrying cocaine with an estimated street value of around R86.5 million. The container had arrived from Brazil through the Durban Harbour, marking a major success in the fight against drug trafficking.

Furthermore, five suspected ATM bombers were killed in a shootout with police in eMalahleni, Mpumalanga. The suspects opened fire on the police after being cornered at a safe house in Schoongezicht in Emalahleni, illustrating the ongoing challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement.

Cabinet has called on all sectors of society to partner with the police to strengthen the fight against crime. “By working together, we can create safer communities and public spaces, while ensuring criminals have no place to hide,” Ntshavheni urged.