MEC for Safety and Security, MEC Dinah Pule, Riverside Government Complex
29 September 2006
This briefing seeks to provide an update on the crime statistics and the
progress made in addressing crime in the province and give challenges that we
face as we move forward.
Reducing the levels of crime
In the medium term our strategic goal is to reduce contact crime levels by
between 7% and 10% per annum, a review is due in 2009. Looking at the
statistics we are on course to achieve this target; however one remains
concerned that the levels of crimes against women and children are showing an
increase. This can also be attributed to the fact that communities are starting
to report these crimes.
Rural safety
The short-term strategy is to enhance the capacity of rural police stations
to be able to police their precincts adequately; to recruit farm workers and
dwellers to enlist as reservists; implement sector policing wherein farms are
broken into smaller manageable areas for basic policing. We view rural
insecurity more as a social problem than a security issue.
In total 261 commando members have expressed willingness to join the South
African Police Services (SAPS) reservist system. 80 of these members have
completed their training and will be at a passing out parade sometime next
month. We will make an announcement in this regard.
Crime statistics
Crime statistics are used by the police to determine crime patterns,
hotspots, and for operational planning. Information on crime at the local level
is available at all police stations and available to Community Police Forums to
assist community involvement in policing initiatives. Our province has been
peaceful as compared to what other provinces went through in terms of violent
crimes. Our serious and violent crime strategy is paying dividends as all
suspects have been arrested in all the casino robberies and other are facing
arrest.
All eight contact crimes decreased during the last financial year, with four
of the eight categories showing significant decreases. Common robbery decreased
by 3,1%, attempted murder by 3,9%, common assault by 4,9% and serious and
violent assault by 12,1%. We are however concerned that we were unable to meet
our target in these categories.
Although murder decreased by 16,1%, rape increased by 2,0% and indecent
assault by 3,9%; those contact crimes remain a cause for concern. Over the past
11 years there has been an overall downward trend in the murder rate. We are
unhappy, though, that the decreases have not been as dramatic as is the case
regarding other crime types.
Despite the changes for a better, there are challenges that still remain in
other categories of the crime prevention and combating programme. Alcohol and
drug abuse continues to be a problem as generators of crime. Drug-related
crimes have increased by 8,2% while instances of driving under the influence of
alcohol or drugs decreased by 13,9%.
Mhluzi
We are highly concerned with the level of contact crimes committed in
Mhluzi, especially murder which increased by 2%. Illegal shebeens have been
identified as the cause of the majority of these crimes. In one section alone
(Avalon), 40 illegal shebeens exist.
Tonga
The levels of crimes against women and children in this area are worrying,
as they have shown an increase. Murder increased by 3% and rape by 11%. There
is under reporting of these crimes. A number of interventions are planned,
including the mobilisation of traditional leaders to participate in the
prevention of this crime as they have a serious role to play.
KaNyamazane
The murder rate remained at the level at which it was last year. We believe
that with the implementation of the provincial Crime Prevention Framework we
will make a dent on crime levels in this area.
Current environment
Since the middle of July 2006 the focus of the police has been on serious
and violent crimes including murder, robbery and rape. The strategy was
followed by increased police visibility where cordon-and-search operations as
well as roadblocks were mounted.
Challenges
Crimes against women and children continue to be a source for deep concern.
Those types of crime, especially rape and indecent assault, show slight
increases. Where there have been decreases in the past, they were very
marginal. The light at the end of the tunnel, though, is the encouraging
response from victims who are coming forward to report such crimes. We are
worried by the tendency to discuss cases amongst relatives where minors have
been raped, and the withdrawal of such cases.
Enquiries:
Putsoa Makua
Cell: 082 822 3141
Tel: (013)766 4031
Issued by: Department of Safety and Security, Mpumalanga Provincial
Government
29 September 2006
