#CrimeStats | Top 15 instruments used to commit contact crimes in SA

31 July 2020 - 12:34 By Orrin Singh
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Knives have again topped the list as the most common weapon used in committing contact crimes in SA.
Knives have again topped the list as the most common weapon used in committing contact crimes in SA.
Image: 123rf.com/Monchai Tudsamalee

Knives have again topped the list of common weapons used to commit contact crimes (murder, attempted murder and assault) in the country. 

According to the 2019/20 crime statistics released on Friday, 31,064 contact crimes were committed using knives. 

Firearms came in second with 20,927 contact crimes committed using firearms, which includes pistols, revolvers, high-calibre and homemade guns. 

A list of the most common weapons used to commit murders, attempted murders and assault in SA.
A list of the most common weapons used to commit murders, attempted murders and assault in SA.
Image: SAPS

Police minister Bheki Cele announced the annual crime statistics on July 31 2020. The statistics, which cover a period from April 1 2019 to March 31 2020, showed an increase in rape and carjackings, while murder reached the highest number in a decade.


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now