GOOD Statement by Brett Herron,
GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament

17 November 2023

Almost 7 000 South Africans murdered – including 293 children – and over 13 000 victims of sexual assault over just 90 days in the second quarter of this year. Another appalling report reflecting the reality of our deeply scarred and unequal country.

Police Minister Bheki Cele presented the crime statistics for the second quarter today, showing a slight decrease in the murder rate compared to the first quarter, but still a 2,1% increase in overall violent contact crimes.

The majority of the murders committed were listed as caused by arguments, road rage, provocation, vigilantism, or mob justice.

Despite the marginal quarterly improvement, the murder rate went up in five provinces, including by 10,9% in the Western Cape where gang-related violence continues to claim innocent young lives and authorities, including the provincial and city governments, are pursuing strategies that are not making any meaningful impact.

Pervasive crime cannot be divorced from our failure to address the legacy of apartheid’s brutality, oppression and inequality; as well as the failure to fully implement reparations and redress.

Today, there is no question that South Africa urgently needs better policing and a functioning, trustworthy, justice system if we are to make any inroads in this fight.

However, it is not that simple.

South Africa needs to implement meaningful redress, reduce inequalities, finalise reparations and address unfinished business – the totality of which is a toxic environment conducive to crime flourishing.

GOOD maintains that without addressing the toxic blend of social and economic injustice; crime cannot be reduced through more boots on the ground alone.

Media Enquiries:

Brett Herron, GOOD Secretary-General & Member of Parliament
Cell: 082 518 3264
Email: bretth@forgood.org.za

Janke Tolmay, GOOD Media Manager
Cell: 073 367 1223
Email: janke@forgood.org.za