THERE'S some good news, but also serious warning signs, in South Africa's latest crime stats.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has released the third-quarter crime statistics for 1 October to 31 December 2025, noting a decline in major violent crimes.
However, he cautioned that crime levels remain dangerously high.
He released the Stats on Friday, 20 February in Tshwane.
"The decision to release crime statistics every quarter shows this government's commitment to transparency and accountability."
He said South Africans deserve to know what is happening in their communities.
"Knowledge is power and enables better and more effective collective action to improve public safety," he said.
Cachalia said murder, the country's most reliable crime indicator, continues to drop after more than a decade of increases.
"This quarter shows an 8,7% decrease, meaning 602 fewer lives were lost."
Over the past two years, murders during the third quarter have dropped by 17,6%, translating to 1 359 fewer killings.
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Total violent crime also fell by 6,7%, with 12 682 fewer cases reported to the South African Police Service compared to the same period last year.
"This trend may be linked to enhanced policing operations," Cachalia said.
Despite the national decline, Cachalia warned that crime remains unacceptably high and unevenly spread across the country.
He stated that significant decreases were recorded in KZN, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Free State, and North West, while Limpopo and the Northern Cape experienced slight increases.
The Minister highlighted that out of the 30 most dangerous murder precincts, only 15 showed a decrease.
He said gang violence in the Eastern and Western Cape remains a serious concern.
Cachalia said he was deeply worried about the rising number of murdered police officers.
"Almost 80% of the 23 police officials killed were off duty."
He said SAPS management has been instructed to urgently investigate why officers are being targeted.
Firearms remain the biggest driver of murder, robbery and organised crime.
"We will intensify efforts to remove illegal firearms and prevent legal firearms from falling into the wrong hands," Cachalia said.
He also stressed that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBV+F) has been declared a national disaster.
"Much of this violence happens between people who know each other or live together."
To fight GBV, SAPS has deployed 999 additional detectives over the past year.
Cachalia announced plans to roll out a national community patroller programme, where trained community members will help prevent crime, without acting as police.
"They will help keep an eye on transport nodes, schools, walkways and high-risk areas," he said.
Cachalia echoed warnings made during the State of the Nation Address, saying:
"Organised crime is the most immediate threat to our democracy, society and economic development."
He revealed that a special task team has been formed to probe allegations against senior SAPS and municipal officials linked to organised crime.
Lifestyle audits and vetting of top police officials are also being stepped up.
"Those who fraternise with criminals have no place in our criminal justice system," he said.
Despite the grim realities, Cachalia said the government is determined to turn the tide.
"Crime continues to devastate communities, but we will not give up. By working together, South Africa can be made safer," he said.
