Crime stats Gauteng: Road rage is the main cause of murder
According to crime stats, road rage is the number one causative factor in murder, attempted murder and assault in Gauteng.
Road rage is the number one causative factor in murder, attempted murder and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm in Gauteng.
This is according to crime statistics for the third quarter (October – December 2023) in Gauteng. Newly appointed Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni presented the stats on Tuesday, 12 March.
ROAD RAGE IS THE NUMBER CAUSTIVE FACTOR FOR MURDER IN GAUTENG
According to Mthombeni, 1 787 people were killed in Gauteng between October and December 2023. This is an increase of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2022.
Of the 1 691 cases reported, the top three contributors to murder in Gauteng were arguments, misunderstandings, provocation, and road rage in 185 cases. Robberies, both residential and business, followed with 154 cases, while vigilantism came in third place with 84 cases.
Arrive Alive describes road rage as a common term for “angry and aggressive driving”, which can involve:
• Intimidation on the road
• Threats of violence
• Actions of violence
MOST KIDNAPPING CASES REPORTED IN SA’S ECONOMIC HUB
In February, Police Minister Bheki Cele also presented national crime stats for the third quarter.
In just the 90-day window period observed, 4 577 kidnapping cases were reported – 11% higher than the same period in 2022.
Gauteng reported the most cases with 2 367 cases. Gauteng was followed by KwaZulu-Natal with 796 cases and the Western Cape with 305.
According to police, in a sample size of 3 975 cases, ransom was demanded in only 138 cases.
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