| 2025/02/25 |
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Media Statement KIMBERLEY – Northern Cape Premier, Dr Zamani Saul together with the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Limakatso Koloi, and the Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Koliswa Otola released the crime statistics for the third quarter of 2024/2025 at the office of the Premier in Kimberley on 25 February 2025. Lieutenant General Otola was accompanied by her Deputy Provincial Commissioners, the District Commissioner of Frances Baard, Provincial Heads,and Senior Station Commanders. The proceedings commenced with a brief overview of the crime situation by Lieutenant General Otola, followed by a presentation by Colonel Karin Peters from Provincial Crime Registrar of the crime statistics for the period October to December 2024. In her opening remarks, Lieutenant General Otola indicated that the crime statistics indicate all the 17 community reported crimes as well as the crimes detected as results of police action. She highlighted matters that remain a concern, namely incidents of domestic violence and the excessive abuse of liquor. All districts reflected a decrease on the 17 community reported crimes for the third quarter. More joint efforts are needed to deal with the crime holistically, including the community. Frances Baard district being the highest reporting district with regards to the reported 17 community crimes reflecting a decrease of -5.7%, John Taolo Gaetsewe district a decrease of -11.6%, Namakwa district a decrease of -7.9%, Pixley ka Seme a decrease of -1.4% and ZF Mgcawu district followed with a decrease of -8.7%. Murder decreased by -10.7%, with a reduction of 13 reported cases compared to the previous year. Attempted murder decreased with -1.3%. The majority of causative factors that lead to murder, attempted murder and assault GBH are arguments, misunderstandings, and provocation. The prevalent instrument used during murders and attempted murder remains knives. Assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and common assault remain a concern. Arguments were a causative factor in incidents of assault GBH that occurred at schools. In her presentation, General Otola reflected on the exceptional and remarkable sentences secured by detectives, especially focusing on life sentences. She commended the effective collaboration between law enforcement and the courts who secure hefty sentences for serious crimes. Rape reflected a decrease of -2.1% with Frances Baard district, the highest recording district, followed by JTG, ZF Mgcawu , Pixely Ka-Seme, and then Namakwa district. Efforts will be intensified to address attempted sexual offences and contact sexual offences. Several rape incidents occurred at the residence of the victim or perpetrator. Other incidents occurred in public places and abandoned buildings. There was a concern raised by the Provincial Commissioner when she communicated on three reported incidents occurring at school premises, where learners are the victims and in some instances also perpetrators. Child to child rapes is a serious concern, with the youngest victim being 3 years old and the youngest perpetrator as young as 12 years old. SAPS is continuously fighting the root causes of crime, especially for contact crimes, which are mostly due to substance abuse. To address this, 308 unlicensed liquor outlets were closed during the third quarter. Aggravating robberies indicated a decrease of -14,7%. Robbery at residential premises reflected a decrease of -10 cases compared to the same period the previous year. Property related crimes reflected an overall decrease of -19,6%, with stock theft displaying a reduction of -29,5%. The prevention of damages and tampering with essential infrastructure remains a concern and teams have been established within the districts to deal decisively with these crimes which are resulting in positive successes. Institutions where non-ferrous theft occurs are at Transnet, Eskom and Telkom. There was an overall decrease in other serious crime categories with a reduction of -9,8%. However, commercial crimes increased with 12,0%. A total of 43 kidnapping cases were reported for the period compared to the 53 reported cases the previous year. The multi-disciplinary illicit mining operation “Vala Umgodi” by SAPS, SANDF and DHA are intentional in squeezing the operational space of criminals in the Frances Baard and Namakwa Districts resulting in the apprehension of undocumented persons and confiscation of diamond bearing gravel, tools and equipment used in the commission of illicit mining activities. A total of 328 suspects were arrested, of which 219 are foreign nationals. Operation Shanela continues to intensify high density operations in hotspot areas across the province with focus on the reduction contact crimes, trio crimes and the tracing of wanted suspects. These actions support interventions to address crimes reliant on police actions. The operation is yielding very good successes and the province appreciates the collaboration with all entities and the dedication of all law enforcement involved. In her remarks, MEC Koloi stated that all efforts need collaboration of all stakeholders, because fighting crime is not only a police function, but it must be a societal issue. She encouraged law enforcement to fight crime without fear or favour and to serve with dignity. She acknowledged the valuable contributions by community policing structures. In closing, Dr Saul indicated that the comprehensive reflection of the crime will assist to assess challenges and pave the way forward and develop strategies to combat crime. He recognised the tireless contributions made by the men and women in blue who are faced with dangerous and stressful situation, yet they perform their duties with courage and vigilance and relentlessly promote safer communities. He reiterated the comment made by the Provincial Commissioner that excessive alcohol consumption remains a concern. He emphasised that crimes against women and children, and gender-based violence is unacceptable and a chilling factor is that these incidents occur within the confines of homes. Government is committed to fight gender-based violence and that victims receive support and perpetrators are brought to justice. He stated that the distribution of drugs must be disrupted and the sport and recreational activities must be initiated for the youth. The prevention of crime is a societal responsibility and targeted crime prevention strategies must be formulated. Collaborations with all departments and stakeholders in fighting the scourge of crime in our province will bear fruits in ensuring a safe and secure environment in the province. Ends
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