| 2024/10/04 |
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Media Statement ZWELITSHA – “Undoubtedly, criminals are so determined to terrorise the people of this province. Our province has seen a rise in incidents of gang violence and extortions especially in areas such as OR Tambo District Municipality, Nelson Mandela Metro. Community members are living in fear as criminals are hell-bent on disturbing the peace of our people. However, the government is intensifying the fight against criminals as we resolved that all spheres of government must collaborate resources to combat crime in this province”, asserted MEC for Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqatha during the Release of the Crime Statistics for the Eastern Cape at NU 10 Community Hall in Mdantsane today 03 October 2024. These two periods of assessment came at the time, when the Eastern Cape province is the focal point of syndicate crimes such as kidnappings and extortions, which have caused a crime wave and social panic. The two periods could be categorized as periods of marginal decreases with no significant changes. 17 Community Reported Crimes: 4th Quarter Province decreased 8: Nelson Mandela Bay decreased 12 out of the 17 community reported crimes Buffalo City Metro decreased 11 out of the 17 community reported crimes Chris Hani decreased 11 out of the 17 community reported crimes Sarah Baartman decreased 11 out of the 17 community reported crimes OR Tambo decreased 10 out of the 17 community reported crimes Alfred Nzo decreased 8 out of the 17 community reporter crimes Joe Gqabi decreased 6 out of the 17 community reporter crimes Amathole decreased 5 out of the 17 community reporter crimes 1st Quarter Province decreased 9: Alfred Nzo decreased 14 Chris Hani decreased 11 Joe Gqabi decreased 11 Buffalo City decreased 9 Amathole decreased 9 Nelson Mandela decreased 7 Sarah Baartman decreased 6 OR Tambo decreased 6 As we celebrate the successes in the reduction of crime in certain categories, we will continue our strides to maintain these positive trends. It is through the increase of visible policing and conducting disruptive operations through operations such as Operation Shanela, etc, that are targeting high crime areas and other cross border operations that we are noting significant improvements. During the first six months in 2024, police managed to confiscate 747 unlicensed firearms and also made several arrests. For the same period, 35 194 suspects were nabbed for various crimes. Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nomthetheleli Mene said, “The war on crime must continue, a war that has been declared by heartless criminals on law abiding citizens. Our crime statistics tell us that we can never be complacent and say that our work is done” The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Mene also took the opportunity to announce the appointment of a senior manager at the level of a Brigadier. The appointment is aimed at filling a critical operational position for the amelioration of service delivery in the Eastern Cape. Colonel Ruby Niewoudt was conferred the rank of a Brigadier as the Provincial Head for Operations (ORS). The MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Mr Xolile Nqatha concluded “Allow me to extend a special salute to the NIU members for their bravery and the defending the rule of law. We want to remind criminals that they must choose to be law-abiding citizens or face the jail or grave. Those who refuse to abide by laws and respect the people of the province. SAPS is ready, they must bring it on”, warned MEC Nqatha. The crime statistics are available on the SAPS website. Ends
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