Minister of Police Nathi Mthethwa released the report, indicating an increase of 0.6 per cent in murders during the past financial year (2012/13).
Mthethwa said that, since 1994, murder has shown a constant reduction.
“We will work double harder to ensure this slight increase is re-routed to the downward trends that we experienced over the past nine years,” he added.
He explained that the fight against crime and corruption has been identified by the current administration as one of the five key priorities for its current term.
“The SAPS is the lead agent in the realisation of the reduction of crime, in whatever form it manifests itself,” he said.
According to Mthethwa, the country is still experiencing a high prevalence of illegal firearms, but has also experienced a decrease in sexual offences, robberies and assaults.
Murder is not the only crime that has increased in the 2012/13 period, but house burglaries, drug-related crimes and hijackings have also shown an increase.
Mthethwa pointed out that, during the period under review, police had managed 12 399 public incidents.
Of these, 10 517 were peaceful and 1 882 were violent public protests, with a total of 693 various criminal cases reported.
Mthethwa concluded the report by saying: “Whatever the setbacks of the moment, we charge all the compatriots and members of the SAPS to selflessly continue with the commitment to serve and protect the vulnerable.”
