Those concerned with the disheartening fourth quarter crime statistics for 2024-25 for the Northern Cape includes the premier, Dr Zamani Saul; provincial police commissioner, Lt Gen. Koliswa Otola; MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi; and the South African Police Union (Sapu).
The crime statistics for the Northern Cape was released on 10 June.
For the fourth quarter, murder increased with 21 reported cases compared to the previous year’s 91 to 112 cases. Most were males with 87 victims, 17 females, and eight children.
The top 30 murder stations include seven stations in the Frances Baard District, seven in Pixley Ka Seme, seven in ZF Mgcawu, six in John Taolo Gaetsewe, and three in Namakwa.
The Frances Baard District recorded the highest serious crime statistics regarding the reported 17 community crimes, which reflected an increase of 3%, with John Taolo Gaetsewe showing an increase of 1,5%.
Rape reflected an increase of 1,7% with 302 cases, compared to the 297 cases reported in the previous year. There were two reported incidents of rapes at educational premises.
Attempted murder decreased with 1,5% (eight cases less), severe assault increased with 4,2% (82 cases) and common assault increased with 1,4% (21) cases.
A total of 415 cases of aggravating robberies were reported, a decrease of 5,5% (24 cases less). Aggravating robberies such as carjacking remained constant with 12 cases, while robbery at residential premises decreased with two cases, and robbery at non-residential premises increased from 47 cases to 49.
Otola emphasised the importance of reporting incidents of extortion to ensure that cases are thoroughly investigated and perpetrators apprehended. She commended detectives for securing convictions and hefty imprisonment sentences, including several life sentences.
‘Complex crime environment’
Saul said the statistics reflect a complex crime environment with improvements in property-related and robbery crimes but with persistent concerns in murder, assault, sexual offenses, and commercial crimes.
“The spotlight is once again on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Concerning is the increase in rape, sexual offences, and contact sexual offences. We urge the 16 Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units in the province to intensify their work at ensuring that perpetrators of crimes committed against women and children are arrested and that these cases are successfully prosecuted.”
He is also concerned about the murder rate in the province, raised by minister Senzo Mchunu, during the release of the national crime statistics late last month.
“Murder cases in the province have increased by 23,1%, from 91 to 112 incidents, predominantly driven by disputes (non-domestic arguments).
“Knives remain the prevalent weapon. Males constitute the primary victims, often within known residential or public settings.
Active community involvement in the fight against crime is important.
“The success in building safer communities require a collaborative approach between government, communities, businesses and non-governmental organisations to work together,” Saul concluded.
He also commended the police on the successful multi-agency interventions, such as operations Shanela, Vala Umgodi, and cross-border initiatives.
“It illustrates targeted responses result in numerous arrests, drug seizures, and disruption of criminal activities.”
Policing Union ‘deeply concerned’
Sabata Ephraim Tshabedi, spokesperson of the South African Policing Union (Sapu) says they are “deeply concerned about the sharp increase in violent crimes, particularly the rise in murders across the province.
“The statistics paint a worrying picture with murder cases reportedly involving knives and sharp objects, highlighting the urgent need for targeted crime prevention strategies in hotspot areas.
“This trend signals a growing disregard for human life, often driven by interpersonal violence and social tensions. The scourge of GBVF and rape remains a significant problem. These crimes continue to disproportionately affect women and children, undermining safety in our communities.”
The union calls for an intensified, multi-sectoral approach to address the root causes of GBVF, including the enforcement of harsher penalties for perpetrators.
“Alcohol and substance abuse continue to play a major role in these violent crimes. We urge government, faith-based organisations, civil society and all other stakeholders to strengthen substance abuse awareness, rehabilitation programmes, and community-based interventions to tackle this growing challenge.”
They are also alarmed by the rising trend in kidnappings, which strains police resources.
Sapu extends its sincere appreciation to the men and women in blue, Community Policing Forums, private securities as well as all supporting stakeholders, for their continued commitment under difficult and often dangerous conditions.
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