SA's crime stats 'horrifying', say opposition parties

The country's crime statistics for January to March were released on Friday.

South Africa's murder rate rose by 22% between January and March this year, compared to the same period last year.

KZN contributed to the highest percentage of the murder.

The number of rape cases reported to the police also increased by 13.7%.

The DA's Shadow Minister of Police Andrew Whitfield says the stats have exposed the violent bloodbath of crime that stains communities across South Africa. 

 READ: Arguments, revenge killings blamed for high KZN murder rate

"According to the latest crime statistics, there were 6083 murders in January and March this year. That amount to over 60 murders per day. There were 10800 rapes in that same period. 

"That means 153 people were raped every single day despite Ramaphosa promising a reduction in crime in women and children, murders of women and children rose by 17.5% and 32% respectively."

GOOD's Brett Herron says the crime stats paint a horrifying picture of a country gripped by violent crime, with murder still on the rise. 

"A 22% increase in murders is an undeniable measure of the violence our community endures and exposes our failures as a country to secure the right to life and peace." 

"The increase in the number of rapes and sexual offences is horrifying. The fact the most likely place for murder is at your home and almost half of the rapes are taking place in the victim or perpetrator's home is a shocking acknowledgement of unsafe we all are."