South Africa’s Latest Safety Stats — And What You Can Do About It
Safety remains a top concern across South Africa, and the numbers tell a compelling story. Understanding the current landscape is the first step toward smarter protection. Here’s what you need to know, and how Falcon Tracking Solutions can help you respond.
Key Safety Trends
1. Kidnappings on the Rise
Between April 2022 and March 2023, South Africa recorded over 15 300 kidnapping cases, with Gauteng alone accounting for more than half of these. Alarmingly, kidnappings have increased by 260 percent over the past decade, with a further 11 percent rise recorded between October and December 2023. This equates to approximately 51 kidnappings per day.
2. High Violent Crime, Though with Some Improvements
South Africa remains one of the countries with the highest violent crime rates in the world. In the fourth quarter of 2024, there were 5 727 reported murders and 31 749 aggravated robberies. While these figures remain high, they reflect a 12.4 percent and 10.4 percent decrease respectively compared to the same period the previous year.
3. Children and Vulnerable Groups in Focus
Crimes against minors are particularly concerning. Nearly 45 percent of all reported crimes against children involved common assault or grievous bodily harm in 2022–2023. Additionally, kidnappings involving minors increased from 0.8 percent to 3.8 percent of total reported crimes between 2010 and 2023.
4. Farm Attacks and Mass Shootings
Rural areas remain vulnerable to violent attacks, including farm invasions. In urban centres, mass shootings have also been reported, including a tragic incident in Durban where eight lives were lost in a single event.
What You Can Do Today
Proactive Monitoring
Equip your loved ones or assets with GPS-enabled trackers. With real-time location monitoring and alerts, you can act quickly if something goes wrong.
Geofencing for Instant Awareness
Set predefined safe zones such as schools, homes, or care facilities. Receive instant alerts when someone or something moves outside these zones.
Integrated Emergency Response
Our system combines app notifications with 24/7 monitoring. When danger is detected, our team can escalate incidents to security partners or law enforcement with GPS accuracy.
Track Valuable Assets
Monitor high-value items such as laptops, tools, equipment, or travel baggage. Prevent theft or loss with location visibility at your fingertips.
Stay Informed and Prepared
Knowledge is key. Keep up to date with local crime trends, educate your family or staff on basic safety practices, and implement preventive tools like smart tracking to stay ahead of threats.
Final Thought
South Africa’s safety challenges are growing in scale, but so are the tools to address them. With rising incidents of kidnapping, violent crime, and threats against vulnerable individuals, being proactive has never been more critical. Falcon Tracking Solutions offers the technology and support to help you act early, stay connected, and protect what truly matters.
Protect with purpose. Start your journey to peace of mind today.
Read more:
Stats SA. (2023). Crimes Against Women and Children. Retrieved from: https://www.statssa.gov.za/?p=17674
South African Government. (2024). Media Statement on Kidnappings and Violent Crime. Retrieved from: https://www.gov.za/news/media-statements/women-youth-and-persons-disabilities-recorded-kidnapping-cases-south-africa
SSC Legacy. (2025). South Africa Q4 2024–2025 Crime Statistics. Retrieved from: https://ssclegacy.com/2025/06/06/south-africa-q4-2024-2025-crime-statistics
The Guardian. (2025). US Pastor Kidnapped During Sermon in South Africa. Retrieved from: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/16/us-pastor-kidnapped-during-sermon-in-south-africa-rescued-after-shootout
People Magazine. (2024). Gunmen Storm Bar in Mass Shooting — 8 Killed. Retrieved from: https://people.com/gunmen-stormed-bar-mass-shooting-8-killed-11737850
AP News. (2024). Farm Attacks in South Africa Not Driven by Race. Retrieved from: https://apnews.com/article/d60c4417f6613afb8de7460433819bfa