By Mark Ogagan
Latest statistics released by StasSA on Saturday has confirmed the constantly rising criminal activities across South Africa.
The Western Cape province alone has recorded the highest rises in murders reported in 11 police stations.
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu (Pictured), said crime was generally on the rise. Crimes that should worry the police most are: murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion.
According to him, “Four of the nine provinces recorded increases in murder cases, with the highest increase recorded in the Western Cape, followed by North West, then the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
“All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape (11 stations), KZN (8), Eastern Cape (6) and Gauteng (5). The leading stations among them were Nyanga, followed by Inanda, uMlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare.
“If we look at the ratio of murders committed, per capita per province, (that is, ratio per 100 000 of the population), the Eastern Cape stands at 17.6%, followed by the Western Cape at 15.3 %, then KwaZulu-Natal at 12.3% and lastly, Gauteng at 8.3%. It is worth noting that the Limpopo province recorded 3.3% per capita, making it the safest province in as far as murder is concerned.
“These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page; they reflect the lived realities of our citizens – their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow.
“The data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We are confronted with a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and undermines the stability of our nation. Contact crimes, in particular, are wreaking havoc and instilling fear. This is unacceptable, and we must confront this challenge with unwavering resolve and strategic precision.”
Mchunu stated that frequently-used instruments in committing murders were firearms, particularly in KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Knives were the preferred weapon of choice to commit murder in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
Cape Town Central police had the most reported serious crimes in the country between April and June this year.
There were 2 958 cases reported, an increase of 193. Mitchells Plain has declined by 153 and landed at the third place in the country.
In gang-related incidents, 234 out of 270 were committed in the province.
The Cape Town Central police has had an increase in contact crimes and is in the top 10 in the province.
A total of 79 people were killed in Nyanga in just three months, making it the murder capital of the quarter.
During the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between South African Police Services, the province and the City, Premier Alan Winde said they would use intelligence technology and skills to fight crime.
“The crime stats that were released… those numbers really impact me. I look at murder stats and look at the areas across the province with the highest numbers of murder and contact crimes standing on top of that list.
“I think of GBV, extortion, it’s really hitting everyone hard. I wouldn’t blame people for being cynical. We will stand together to make sure we build a safer province.
“Citizens find it scarier to walk at night and scarier during the day. We need to make sure those numbers become better. The Government of National Unity signals the time for change to make sure we are going to build a safer society.”
National Commissioner of Police, Fannie Masemola, explained the new deal would allow them to pull resources together to fight the common enemy, which is crime. It was not obligatory for one to join in this effort, but they will be segmented in sub-districts.
In the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the pledge was signed at Erica Park Sports ground in Belhar.
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