Over 7 000 people murdered in SA between October & December - Cele
More than 7 500 people were murdered in South Africa between October and December last year.
Police Minister Bheki Cele released the crime stats for the third quarter on Friday.
"Out of the 7 555 people murdered in the three months of reporting, 3 144 people were killed with a firearm, 2 498 people were killed with other weapons such as knifes, sharp and blunt instruments, bricks and in many cases bare hands,” he said.
"It is clear, a broader conversation must be had about what is at the heart of violent crime in the country."
Rape is up 9.8 percent.
The minister says it's alarming that of the 12 419 reported incidents, nearly half of them happened in the home of the survivor or perpetrator.
"They were raped by the people they know from the places where they were supposed to be safe. The call on communities to be allies against crime cannot be understated when it comes to the prevention and combating of gender-based violence and femicide.
"It remains a betrayal of humanity to look away and ignore abuse and violence of anyone, let alone women, children and other vulnerable groups in society."
Cele has added that during the festive period, over 52 000 people were arrested for a range of crimes.
Major-General Thulare Sekhukhune gave a break down of the statistics.
He says overall, contact crimes are up 11.6 percent.
"Sexual offences we recorded 15 545 and increase of 1 357. Attempted murder - 7 016 an increase of 1 378. Robberies and aggravating circumstances - 37 829 an increase of 3 686."
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