South Africa has released the first-quarter crime statistics for April to June 2025. The latest figures show persistently high levels of contact crime, with murder, rape and aggravated robbery remaining key contributors.
More than 5 400 murders were recorded in the three-month period. Police data shows many killings were linked to arguments, vigilantism, retaliation and alcohol-related incidents. Most murders occurred in public spaces and at private residences, with knives and firearms frequently used. Several police officers were killed on and off duty, and attacks on rural communities and farm-related incidents were also reported.
Rape cases exceeded 6 500, with most attacks taking place at private residences or locations known to the victims. Some cases occurred at educational facilities, involving both adults and minors.
Attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm remain high, with more than 31 000 assault GBH cases analysed. Alcohol and drug-related environments, including taverns and bars, were identified as major crime scenes.
Aggravated robberies continue to rise. Carjackings increased, with more than 4 600 incidents recorded.
Residential and business robberies also remain high, with several provinces contributing heavily to the national total. Cash-in-transit robberies showed varied methods, including attacks during ATM replenishments, cross-pavement robberies and armed threats against security personnel. Truck hijackings remain a concern, with hotspots concentrated at top contributing stations across multiple provinces.
The report highlights 17 community-reported serious crimes, showing fluctuations across the quarter and identifying the 30 police stations with the highest contributions. Provincial data shows varying crime ratios per 100 000 population, with some provinces recording significantly higher levels of violent crime.
Domestic-violence-related offences remain widespread, affecting both men and women across all provinces.
SAPS says the full quarterly crime presentation and detailed statistics are available on its official website.
More than 5 400 murders were recorded in the three-month period. Police data shows many killings were linked to arguments, vigilantism, retaliation and alcohol-related incidents. Most murders occurred in public spaces and at private residences, with knives and firearms frequently used. Several police officers were killed on and off duty, and attacks on rural communities and farm-related incidents were also reported.
Rape cases exceeded 6 500, with most attacks taking place at private residences or locations known to the victims. Some cases occurred at educational facilities, involving both adults and minors.
Attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm remain high, with more than 31 000 assault GBH cases analysed. Alcohol and drug-related environments, including taverns and bars, were identified as major crime scenes.
Aggravated robberies continue to rise. Carjackings increased, with more than 4 600 incidents recorded.
Residential and business robberies also remain high, with several provinces contributing heavily to the national total. Cash-in-transit robberies showed varied methods, including attacks during ATM replenishments, cross-pavement robberies and armed threats against security personnel. Truck hijackings remain a concern, with hotspots concentrated at top contributing stations across multiple provinces.
The report highlights 17 community-reported serious crimes, showing fluctuations across the quarter and identifying the 30 police stations with the highest contributions. Provincial data shows varying crime ratios per 100 000 population, with some provinces recording significantly higher levels of violent crime.
Domestic-violence-related offences remain widespread, affecting both men and women across all provinces.
SAPS says the full quarterly crime presentation and detailed statistics are available on its official website.
