Crime stats to now be released quarterly

In addition, the South African Police Service would publish one annual comprehensive report, he told journalists following Cabinet’s fortnightly meeting.

It would allow government to respond to crime trends more rapidly and contribute to the national development plan’s aim to build safer communities.

The annual report would accommodate changes to quarterly statistics, due to factors like cases being solved.

Parliament’s police committee chairperson Francois Beukman welcomed the decision and said it would strengthen accountability.

“It will enable closer scrutiny of crime trends and ensure that proactive, effective decisions and interventions are made in hotspot areas,” he said.