SA records over 7,000 murders between Oct and Dec 2023

JOHANNESBURG - A total of 7,710 people were murdered in South Africa between 1 October and 31 December 2023.

This represents an increase of 155 murdered people for the same period during the previous year.

Police Minister Bheki Cele brought this to light on Friday, when he released the third quarter crime statistics, which cover last year’s festive season period.

Cele said 4,882 suspects were arrested for murder and attempted murder for the period in review.

“The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape and Free State must be singled out and commended for being able to register a reduction in the number of people murdered during this period.

“While they may not be out of the woods yet, it is important to highlight that attention and more resources have been allocated to stations that have the highest number of murders reported.”