Despite law enforcement’s efforts, Newcastle, Madadeni, and Osizweni have ranked in various categories in the latest crime stats.
Firstly, Newcastle ranks among the top 30 problematic areas for commercial crime. The Northern KwaZulu-Natal town reported 154 cases from October 2022 to December 2022.
According to the SAPS, these are two fewer cases than reported in the same period in 2021.
Furthermore, Madadeni ranked among the top 30 areas for common assault. 229 cases were reported from October 2022 until December 2022, which is 40 more cases than in the same period last year.
In addition, Madadeni also ranked among the top 30 areas in the country for Assault with intent to cause Grievous Bodily Harm. A total of 215 cases were reported during the above-mentioned time frame.
Osizweni, Utrecht, Estcourt, Ladysmith, and Bergville ranked among the top 30 areas for stock theft.
From October 2022 to December 2022, the following communities reported stock theft:
- Utrecht– 52 reported cases
- Estcourt– 41 reported cases
- Osizweni– 41 reported cases
- Bergville– 40 reported cases
- Ladysmith– 38 reported crimes
The above follows Police Minister, Bheki Cele announcing the latest stats On Friday, 17 February 2023.
While addressing the media focusing on the country’s overall crime, Cele pointed out that all contact crimes in SA increased by 11.6%. The figures for these crimes are as follows:
- Murder – 7 555 cases
- Sexual Offences – 15 545
- Attempted Murder – 7 016
- Assault to do Grievous Bodily Harm – 50 582
- Common Assault – 52 741
- Common Robbery – 12 75
- Robbery with Aggravating Circumstances – 37 829
“While the crime figures we are releasing today don’t paint an overall positive picture of the crime situation in our country. They do, however, show that police are pushing back on criminality, through visible policing and disruptive operations. Plainly put, the more boots on the ground were not just a slogan, their impact has been felt and starting to make a difference in our communities,” said Cele.
While admitting it was the police’s job to prevent, combat, and investigate crime, Cele highlighted, “A community-centered approach in the prevention and combating of crime will yield better results.”
However, with Cele calling for more public participation do you expect the country to be looking at more lenient gun laws or how would you approach the situation?
Let us know in the comment section below.
