By Hassan Isilow  

JOHANNESBURG

Around 57 people are murdered in South Africa everyday according to crime statistics, the country’s Police Minister revealed on Tuesday.  

Speaking in parliament, Bheki Cele said despite a reduction in other crimes, it was disturbing that murders were still high.  

Murders in the country increased from 19,016 in the fiscal year of 2016/17 to 20,336 in 2017/18, representing a 7 percent increase.  

The minister compared the high incidents of murder to a situation in a war zone -- yet, the country is at peace.  

Most murder cases were linked to gang-related violence, mob justice, robberies as well as bus and taxi violence.

Crimes of sexual offence also increased from 49,660 to 50,108. South Africa has one of the highest incidents of rape and murder in the world.

Many cases of women being raped and murdered were reported in 2017/18, with the murder of women increasing by 11 percent from 2,639 to 2,930.