South African Murder Rate Rises

South African Murder Rate Rises to 45 per Day

The murder rate in South Africa—already one of the highest crime rate nations in the world—has risen to 45 per day, according to new statistics released by the police in that country.

“It is a dark day for the country when its National Commissioner claims that crime is under control, while the murder rate has risen to 16,259 cases per year. This means that almost two murders a day more occurred to bring the total number of murders committed daily to almost 45,” a statement on the matter issued by the Transvaal Agricultural Union (TAU) said.

Farm murders showed an even more alarming picture. In the same period farm murders increased by 34 percent to 68 in 2012/2013, compared to the 50 murders in 2011/2012.

Farm attacks increased from 112 cases to 176 cases. Farm attacks in fact are violent crimes against people and not on property.

Therefore it can be assumed that many of these attacks are nothing less than attempted murder, which were successfully averted.

“What is even more disturbing is the apparent ignorance of the police in this regard. On the police’s official website the page titled ‘Farm Attacks` under ‘Crime Prevention’ has been ‘under construction’ for months now, leaving the impression that the police do not regard this category of crime as a seriousness matter,” said Mr Henry Geldenhuys, Deputy President of TAU SA and Chairman of the Safety and Security Committee.

“Because the police stubbornly refuse to list farm murders as a separate crime category in their statistics, they are not even aware of this alarming increase in farm attacks. Furthermore it has to be borne in mind that TAU SA’s database on farm attacks and farm murders is probably incomplete because it relies on the feedback of members or on media reports which are then verified. Therefore the true picture could be worse,” said Mr Geldenhuys.

Since April 1 of this year, TAU SA’s database lists 37 murders and 110 farm attacks.

If this trend were to continue until the end of the current year, 74 murders and 220 attacks could be expected, which will represent a further increase of 24 percent.

“The fact that the National Commissioner considers crime to be under control indicates that farmers should not expect any increased police interest in their problems, and therefore should continue their need to ensure that they are versed in self defence and the upgrading of their physical safety and security measures,” said Mr Geldenhuys.