Cape Town - The Western Cape has recorded the highest rises in murders reported in 11 police stations. This was revealed in the latest crime statistics yesterday.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said crime was generally on the rise. Crimes that should worry the police most are: murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion.
“Four of the nine provinces recorded increases in murder cases, with the highest increase recorded in the Western Cape, followed by North West, then the Eastern Cape and Limpopo.
“All the top 30 stations for murder were in only four provinces, namely Western Cape (11 stations), KZN (8), Eastern Cape (6) and Gauteng (5). The leading stations among them were Nyanga, followed by Inanda, uMlazi, Khayelitsha and Harare.
“If we look at the ratio of murders committed, per capita per province, (that is, ratio per 100 000 of the population), the Eastern Cape stands at 17.6%, followed by the Western Cape at 15.3 %, then KwaZulu-Natal at 12.3% and lastly, Gauteng at 8.3%. It is worth noting that the Limpopo province recorded 3.3% per capita, making it the safest province in as far as murder is concerned.
“These numbers tell a sobering story, reflecting the severity of the challenges we face. These numbers represent more than just figures on a page; they reflect the lived realities of our citizens – their fears, their losses, and their hopes for a safer tomorrow.
“The data is a stark reminder of the urgent need for action. We are confronted with a crisis that threatens the safety of our communities and undermines the stability of our nation. Contact crimes, in particular, are wreaking havoc and instilling fear. This is unacceptable, and we must confront this challenge with unwavering resolve and strategic precision.”
Mchunu stated that frequently-used instruments in committing murders were firearms, particularly in KZN, Western Cape, Gauteng and the Eastern Cape. Knives were the preferred weapon of choice to commit murder in the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape.
Cape Town Central police had the most reported serious crimes in the country between April and June this year.
There were 2 958 cases reported, an increase of 193. Mitchells Plain has declined by 153 and landed at the third place in the country.
In gang-related incidents, 234 out of 270 were committed in the province.
The Cape Town Central police has had an increase in contact crimes and is in the top 10 in the province.
A total of 79 people were killed in Nyanga in just three months, making it the murder capital of the quarter.
During the signing of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between South African Police Services, the province and the City, Premier Alan Winde said they would use intelligence technology and skills to fight crime.
“The crime stats that were released… those numbers really impact me. I look at murder stats and look at the areas across the province with the highest numbers of murder and contact crimes standing on top of that list.
“I think of GBV, extortion, it’s really hitting everyone hard. I wouldn’t blame people for being cynical. We will stand together to make sure we build a safer province.
“Citizens find it scarier to walk at night and scarier during the day. We need to make sure those numbers become better. The Government of National Unity signals the time for change to make sure we are going to build a safer society.”
National Commissioner of Police, Fannie Masemola, explained the new deal would allow them to pull resources together to fight the common enemy, which is crime. It was not obligatory for one to join in this effort, but they will be segmented in sub-districts.
In the presence of President Cyril Ramaphosa, the pledge was signed at Erica Park Sports ground in Belhar.
Winde said: “It is an encouraging step towards more collaborative policing, based on evidence and data, which has been at the heart of the Western Cape Government's approach to addressing crime as outlined in our Safety Plan.
“My sincere hope is that this MoU will translate into the South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape being adequately resourced to more effectively do its job in making communities safer.
“We must learn from the past and constantly revisit policing models based on our data-led approach. While we will work closer with the SAPS, thanks to this agreement, the WCG will still push for the devolution of policing powers, because we believe that it is in the local sphere where you can make a major difference.”
Police Oversight and Community Safety MEC Anroux Marais said this MoU had long been a priority of the Western Cape Government, but it has taken up until now to come to fruition.
“The role of the Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety is coordination and oversight, and I am satisfied with the outcome. Far too often in the past, the relationships between spheres of government regarding crime-fighting in the Western Cape, were confrontational rather than cooperative.
“I wish to thank Alderman JP Smith for being steadfast in the battle against crime. And I want to commend the national Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, for his willingness to start a new chapter of cooperation in the best interest of our residents.
“Our people suffer at the hands of extortionists – be they small-scale criminals who rob the lady trying desperately to make ends meet by selling vegetables, or the self-styled construction mafia – which have a devastating impact on our economy.
“Our people suffer at the hands of murderers, gangsters, robbers, rapists, hijackers and every other type of criminal. Crime can only be beaten if we all work together. We therefore welcome this step towards beating crime and we give it our full support.”
As the police set up for the signing event, four suspected extortionists were killed and four others were injured by police, with the driver of a Toyota Quantum managing to escape.
“Four other suspects were injured. It is believed that these individuals were on their way to commit a mass shooting as a number of firearms and ammunition were seized,” Mchunu.
Ramaphosa said the collaborating agencies would now share information, intelligence and resources.
“The Government of National Unity (GNU) has made crime a top priority. We will focus on ensuring South Africa is a safe place and is conducive for business. We will deal with GBV effectively ensuring our citizens can live in safety, we are pledging to make good use of the resource.
“We are also committing to work closely with community based organisations and civil structures. We will make sure that we are one step ahead and drawing on each other's strength. If we work together we will make sure it works,” the president said.
He added that the war against crime could not be won without addressing the causes, like the rife unemployment.
Police Committee chairperson Ian Cameron said the MoU did not address the much- needed relationship between the National Prosecuting Authority and the Justice Department.
“The cooperative agreement is very positive. If you read the agreement, there are clauses that stipulate strong cooperation in terms of intelligence and information sharing. If you can do that successfully and act on that information we would really see a difference.
“What I believe is not spoken enough about is the cooperation between the NPA and the police, because their strategies don’t align at the moment. The NPA tries to empty the court roll, the police try to fill it up. If you don’t have cases being prosecuted, you can’t expect criminals to face justice.”