South Africa Crime Statistics (2024/2025) — Latest SAPS Data

Contact Crimes (Increasing)

Violent contact crimes including murder, attempted murder, assault GBH, robbery, and sexual offences have generally been on an upward trend since 2019/2020. Murder increased from roughly 21,000 in 2019/2020 to over 27,000 in 2023/2024.

Property Crimes (Mixed)

Residential burglary has shown a gradual decline from previous highs, though numbers remain very high at over 210,000 cases per year. Vehicle theft and business burglary have fluctuated without a clear direction.

Drug-Related Crime (Increasing Detections)

Drug-related crime detections have increased significantly, reaching over 230,000 annual cases. This increase is partly attributed to more intensive policing and intelligence-driven operations rather than a pure increase in drug use alone.

Carjacking (Increasing)

Carjacking has been a consistent concern, rising to over 22,000 incidents in 2023/2024. It remains one of the most feared crimes in South Africa, particularly in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.

At Home

• Install and maintain alarm systems and electric fencing
• Join your local neighbourhood watch or community policing forum
• Ensure all doors and windows have proper security (burglar bars, security gates)
• Do not open your gate for unknown visitors — use an intercom
• Keep outdoor areas well-lit, especially entry points

On the Road

• Keep windows up and doors locked, especially at traffic lights
• Be aware of your surroundings when entering or leaving your driveway
• Do not stop for strangers or for suspicious obstacles in the road
• Vary your route and routine — predictability makes you a target
• Consider a vehicle tracking device with response service

General Safety

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar areas
• Do not display expensive jewellery, phones, or electronics in public
• Be cautious at ATMs — use those inside shopping centres when possible
• Keep copies of important documents separate from originals
• Save emergency numbers: SAPS (10111), Ambulance (10177), and your local security company

What is the crime rate in South Africa?

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates in the world. According to the latest SAPS data (2023/2024), there were approximately 27,494 murders (about 76 per day), over 140,000 aggravated robberies, and more than 22,000 carjackings in a single year. The overall contact crime rate has been increasing in recent years.

Which is the safest province in South Africa?

Based on 2023/2024 SAPS murder rate data, Limpopo is the safest province with a murder rate of approximately 17 per 100,000 people. Mpumalanga (28 per 100,000) and North West (29 per 100,000) also have comparatively lower murder rates. However, safety varies significantly between urban and rural areas within each province.

Is crime increasing in South Africa?

The picture is mixed. Contact crimes such as murder, robbery, and sexual offences have generally been increasing since 2019. Property crimes like residential burglary have shown some decreases. Drug-related crime detections have increased significantly, partly due to increased policing efforts. Overall, serious violent crime remains a major concern.

Where can I find crime stats for my area?

You can find station-level crime statistics on the official SAPS website (saps.gov.za) under their crime statistics section. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) at issafrica.org also provides detailed crime analysis. CrimeStatsSA.com offers searchable data by police station. Your local community policing forum (CPF) may also share area-specific safety information.

• South African Police Service — Annual Crime Statistics
• Institute for Security Studies (ISS Africa)
• Statistics South Africa

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