Crime Stats: 1.8% decrease in crime overall

This means just over 19 000 cases were reported to the police.   

While contact crime has declined in general, murder has shown an upward trend and robberies remain a serious concern.   

Mbalula says police need to adopt a unique approach when tackling hijackings and business robberies.  

He says the use of substances and alcohol also played a role in bringing up crime levels.  

While the minister says police effectiveness in crime reporting went up by over 9%, he admits this isn't enough saying officers are letting people down.  

ALSO WATCH: LIVE: Mbalula to release crime stats report

The report shows a slight decrease in property related crimes.  Mbalula says it's important that the members of the public be involved in the fight against crime. 

"South Africa cannot continue this way. We must ask whether we have accepted to live side by side with violent criminals. Our answer must be an emphatic and radical no, we must deal with crime in a radical and energetic way. Our language must be clear and understood," he says. 

A full report will be released later today.