In conversation with Bregadier Athlenda Mathe SAPS National spokesperson
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Between January and March 2026, South Africa recorded 5,181 murders, which works out to an average of 58 murders per day though there is slight difference compared to previous reporting periods, the average was around 60–62 murders per day,in 2025 showing that violence remains a major concern despite the recent decline.
Gauteng has been rocked by a series of deadly mass shootings over the past few months, raising serious concerns about public safety and violent crime in the province.
In December last year, 12 people, including a three-year-old child, were killed when gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville, west of Pretoria. More than a dozen others were injured in what police described as a random attack. Authorities believe the shooting may have been linked to an illegal tavern operating inside the hostel.
Just weeks later, nine people were killed and at least 10 injured when armed men opened fire at a tavern in Bekkersdal on the West Rand. Witnesses say the suspects arrived in two vehicles and shot patrons before firing randomly at people in nearby streets as they fled.
Most recently, 12 people were killed and 15 wounded at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg. Police say more than 10 gunmen entered the settlement from different access points and opened fire at several locations before escaping. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
These incidents have left many residents questioning whether enough is being done to stop violent crime, remove illegal firearms from communities, and prevent mass shootings before they happen.
Gauteng has been rocked by a series of deadly mass shootings over the past few months, raising serious concerns about public safety and violent crime in the province.
In December last year, 12 people, including a three-year-old child, were killed when gunmen stormed a hostel in Saulsville, west of Pretoria. More than a dozen others were injured in what police described as a random attack. Authorities believe the shooting may have been linked to an illegal tavern operating inside the hostel.
Just weeks later, nine people were killed and at least 10 injured when armed men opened fire at a tavern in Bekkersdal on the West Rand. Witnesses say the suspects arrived in two vehicles and shot patrons before firing randomly at people in nearby streets as they fled.
Most recently, 12 people were killed and 15 wounded at the Jumpers informal settlement in Cleveland, east of Johannesburg. Police say more than 10 gunmen entered the settlement from different access points and opened fire at several locations before escaping. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
These incidents have left many residents questioning whether enough is being done to stop violent crime, remove illegal firearms from communities, and prevent mass shootings before they happen.
