The North West provincial crime statistics released by Community Safety and Transport Management MEC Sello Lehari last week, show that the province is losing the fight against crime, especially in the Bojanala Platinum District under which Madibeng falls, the DA said.
Violent contact crime marked a sharp increase in the province during the first quarter from January to March 2022. Over the period, there were 214 murders, up by 39 murders (+22.3%) over the same period last year.
Sexual assault offences increased by 12.1% bringing the total to 942 reported cases. Rape increased by 10.9% with a total number of 769 reported rape cases. Attempted murder is up by 8.5% with a total of 242 reported cases. Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm increased by 30.9% recording a total of 3 621 recorded cases in the first three months of this year.
“These crime statistics indicate that the South African Police Service (SAPS) in North West is not only losing the fight against violent crime, but also it’s ability to prevent serious crime before it occurs. This also shows that crime intelligence in the North West is unable to identify and prevent crime before it happens,” said DA North West Provincial Leader, Leon Basson.
“While we acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of dedicated police officers who sacrifice their lives in service of the community, the rise in violent crime indicates that they are not supported by effective national and provincial leadership. The SAPS in the North West are severely under-resourced, placing not only residents, but police officers at the non-existent mercy of violent criminals,” he said.