CAPE TOWN - The Western Cape has released its third-quarter crime statistics ahead of the deployment of the army to gang-ridden communities.
Murder cases decreased by 41 compared to the same period the year before, while attempted murder and rape cases rose.
Most of the killings were in the City of Cape Town.
Police say, despite some decreases being recorded from October to December last year, crime remains unacceptably high in certain areas.
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In three months, 1,157 people were murdered and more than half of the victims were shot and killed.
Most of the murders were committed in the City of Cape Town.
In the third quarter, 2,014 sexual offences were recorded.
During the same time, attempted murders went up to 1,211.
“Of much concern is the prevalence of serious violent crime that is driven by the availability of firearms and ammunition, drugs and many other things,” said Thembisile Patekile, Western Cape Police Commissioner.
"Also worth mentioning is the involvement of youth in criminal activity.”
He said children as young as 11 get recruited into gangs.
Other officials agree that the province remains a hotspot for violent crime.
To help fight violent crime, 62 seasoned detectives who left the South African Police Service have been brought back.
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“SANDF is coming. The date is not known, but I will say it is soon," the commissioner said.
"We have our plans in place. All is just to see the boots on the ground. Of course, you will see them, they come in big numbers and convoy so that you will see.”
Patekile would not reveal the numbers or the areas where they'll be deployed.
- eNCA's Ayesha Ismail reports.