The South African Police Service (SAPS) recently released the latest crime statistics for the second quarter of 2023/24, offering a glimpse into the country’s crime landscape. The report, covering July to September 2023, highlights a reduction in burglaries at residential premises while indicating a worrisome increase in robberies accompanied by aggravated circumstances across South Africa.
Decline in Burglaries, Surge in Aggravated Robberies
According to SAPS data, there was a 5.9% year-on-year decrease in burglaries at residential premises. However, compared to the first quarter of 2023, these incidents saw a 3.6% increase. On the other hand, robberies at houses surged by almost 4%.
Burglaries and robberies, although both involve criminal trespassing and theft, differ significantly based on the victim’s presence during the crime. Burglaries occur in the absence of the victim, while robberies take place when the victim is present and threatened during the theft.
While burglaries still outnumber robberies in South Africa, ranking third after drug-related crime and assault, they remain a significant concern in the country.
Statistical Insights: Incidents and Regions Affected
The data collected from police stations nationwide revealed 38,151 cases of home burglaries between July and September 2023, averaging roughly 424 incidents daily. In contrast, the SAPS recorded 6,045 house robberies during the same period, approximately 67 per day.
Gauteng province accounted for the highest number (21.9%) of home burglaries, reflecting its status as the most populous province in South Africa. Similarly, regions with lower populations, such as the Northern Cape, reported fewer burglary incidents (3.7%).
However, nearly all provinces in South Africa are represented among the top areas with high burglary rates. Notably, Mankweng in Limpopo tops the list, followed by Cambridge in Eastern Cape and Plessislaer in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).
Table: Top 10 Worst Areas for Break-ins
| # | Precinct | Province | No. of Break-ins |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mankweng | Limpopo | 215 |
| 2 | Cambridge | Eastern Cape | 210 |
| 3 | Plessislaer | KZN | 208 |
| 4 | Kraaifontein | Western Cape | 202 |
| 5 | Inanda | KZN | 183 |
| 6 | Mmabatho | North West | 179 |
| 7 | Witbank | Mpumalanga | 174 |
| 8 | Roodepoort | Gauteng | 171 |
| 9 | Free State | Free State | 168 |
| 10 | Delft | Western Cape | 164 |
| 11 | Rustenburg | North West | 162 |
| 12 | Temba | Gauteng | 160 |
Alarming Rise in Robberies with Aggravating Circumstances
The SAPS report highlights contact crimes, including common robbery and aggravated robbery, as the largest crime category. Between July and September 2023, 165,909 cases were reported, marking a 2.1% increase compared to the same period in 2022 and a significant 10.8% rise from the first quarter of the year.
Contact crimes involve violence or threats against victims. Notably, robbery with aggravating circumstances, which includes robbery at residential premises, falls under the category of ‘Trio crimes,’ alongside carjacking and non-residential premises robbery.
Although overall trio crimes decreased by 1.8% year-on-year, robbery at residential premises increased by 3.8%. This worrying trend also shows a 7.4% rise from the first quarter of the year.
Top Regions Affected by Residential Robberies
Similar to burglary trends, Gauteng leads in home robberies, accounting for 37.3% of reported incidents. Following closely is KZN, contributing 22.7% of these cases and holding half of the positions in the ‘top 12 worst areas’ list. Tembisa in Gauteng ranks as the area most affected by home robberies, with two KZN precincts—Plessislaer and Inanda—trailing closely.
Table: Top 10 Worst Areas for Home Robberies
| # | Precinct | Province | No. of Aggravated Robberies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tembisa | Gauteng | 91 |
| 2 | Plessislaer | KZN | 80 |
| 3 | Inanda | KZN | 76 |
| 4 | Esikhaleni | KZN | 76 |
| 5 | Mfuleni | Western Cape | 60 |
| 6 | Booysens | Gauteng | 57 |
| 7 | Moffatview | Gauteng | 57 |
| 8 | Delft | Western Cape | 55 |
| 9 | Verulam | KZN | 55 |
| 10 | Roodepoort | Gauteng | 52 |
| 11 | Empangeni | KZN | 50 |
| 12 | Harare | Western Cape | 45 |
The reported rise in robberies with aggravated circumstances demands heightened attention and effective strategies from law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of South African communities. As the nation grapples with these concerning trends, collaborative efforts are crucial to curb the surge in such criminal activities and foster a safer environment for all citizens.
