The latest official provincial crime statistics reveal a decline of 9% in murder, attempted murder, common assault and sexual offenses compared to the previous financial year.
However, provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba says he’s not happy, as one criminal activity taking place, is one too many.
The commissioner explains that the annual statistics helps police to monitor crime, in particular, the target areas, “crime statistics help us to operationalise our provincial crime prevention strategy with a view to ensure safety within our communities.”
The statistics reveal that rape cases have gone down to 11 % this financial year, with 3828 cases reported, as compared to the 4369 cases in 2015/16 financial year.
Ledwaba notes the role played by communities and various structures as critical, “crime is a problem which can only be defeated through a joint effort in which everyone is involved.”
Ledwaba adds that moving forward, they call for everyone’s involvement to actively participate in crime prevention initiatives, “Join structures like community policing forums, business against crime, neighbourhood watch and sector crime forums amongst others in order to play a meaningful role in the prevention of crime.”
