The Limpopo crime statistics for the 2nd quarter of 2023/2024 indicate yet another predicted increase in the 17 community -reported serious crimes.
During the period 1 July 2023 to 30 September 2023, there were 25305 17 community-reported serious crimes dockets opened in Limpopo.
Every day 281 victims reported murder, assault, sexual offences, theft and robbery incidents.
Concerning year-on-year increases, the following were reported:
- 310 attempted murders - increase by 19.2%;
- 1153 sexual offences - increase by 1.7%; Thohoyandou remains the rape capital of the province and is number 2 on the top 30 stations; Seshego and Mankweng, 7 and 13 on the national top 30 stations respectively
- Common assault increased to 2627 cases
- Commercial crime increased to 1733, an increase of 16.9%
As crimes detected as a result of police action increased by 30.2%, it is clear that police visibility alone is not going to curb the scourge of serious crime.
Of the 395 existing reservists in Limpopo, not one is a Category D (urban and rural safety); re-establishment of the core group of crime fighters will step in the right direction to make our under-siege communities feel safe again.
Limpopo has been experiencing an annual increase in crime for years now and the ANC executive would like to downplay and normalise this scourge by lip service and empty promises; the DA does not accept this and will continue to fight for a capable and well-resourced police force to keep our communities safe.
Issued by Katlego Suzan Phala MPL - DA Provincial Spokesperson on Transport and Community Safety