The latest figures show that most crime categories, including murder, rape and sexual assault, were significantly higher in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.
On 23 November 2022 Police Minister Bheki Chele released crime statistics in Pretoria for the period July to September 2022. Photo: @SAPoliceService/Twitter
JOHANNESBURG – Officers from the South African Police Service are expected to battle fires during the festive season.
Police Minister Bheki Chele released crime statistics for the second quarter on Wednesday.
READ: Crime statistics show aggression and violence in South Africa at alarming levels – Cele
The latest figures show that most crime categories, including murder, rape and sexual assault, were significantly higher in the second quarter of 2022 than in 2021.
Chele’s message was to “shoot to kill” when he was the police commissioner.
As police minister, Chele challenged the men and women in blue to fight fire with fire.
READ: Q2 crime statistics show significant year-on-year rise
Chele said the fight against crime has come at a cost to the police.
Twenty-two police officers were killed in the three months from July to September, two fewer than in the same reporting period last year, Chele said.
“It is on this note that this ministry will never cease to call on members of the SAPS to always defend themselves against ruthless criminals when they are attacked. Everything is very simple; the police must meet fire with fire!”
Chele said his ministry will never stop calling on officers to protect themselves.
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Full #CrimeStats Minister of Police General Bheki Chele gave a speech.
https://t.co/eUfc4hEY6G pic.twitter.com/LvYVUF5ck6
Lirandzu Themba (@LirandzuThemba) November 23, 2022