South Africa’s murder rate remains at pandemic-like levels. During the 2019/20 period covered by the latest crime statistics, murders in South Africa rose by 1.4% to 21 325, which translates to 36 murders for every 100 000 people living in the country. The most common causes of murder are arguments and misunderstandings, followed by domestic issues, robbery, mob justice and gang activity. The most common perpetrators are acquaintances or someone known by sight, followed by boyfriends or girlfriends. Surely, the country’s response to this scourge needs to be as aggressive as the lockdowns that have accompanied the Covid-19 health crisis.