Kempton Park CPF meeting highlights hijacking hotspots
Residents voiced concerns about high rates of property-related crimes such as housebreakings and vehicle thefts.
The Kempton Park CPF Sector 2 held a Business Forum Meeting at Kempton Kruin Church on August 5 to review crime statistics and explore collaborative ways to reduce crime in the area.
Lieutenant Colonel Jacob Molapisi from the Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre (CIMAC) presented the latest crime data, comparing incidents reported between 1 and 31 July for the 2024/25 period.
He reported significant decreases in several crime categories, including a 50% drop in murder cases, a 56.3% reduction in assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH), and a 48.9% decline in common assault.
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Total aggravated robbery (including attempts) fell by 18.9%, while common robbery dropped dramatically by 77.8%.
Sexual offences decreased by 33.3%, and total contact crimes declined by 38.4%. Additionally, no arson cases were reported, and malicious damage to property fell by 86.7%.
Molapisi also highlighted mixed results for crimes heavily dependent on police intervention. Illegal possession of firearms and ammunition decreased by 50%, but drug-related crimes saw a slight increase of 4.4%.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs rose by 33.3%, while sexual offences uncovered through police operations decreased by 13%.
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He emphasised that police performance needs to improve, particularly in addressing illegal firearms possession and sexual offences discovered during police action.
Concerns were raised as trio crimes, hijackings, house robberies, and business robberies increased by 6.9%, reflecting a troubling trend.
Crime was most prevalent on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Mondays, Fridays, and Tuesdays, with peak hours between 09:00 and 12:00, and again from 18:00 to 21:00.
Affected areas include all Kempton Park extensions, Pomona, Glen Marais, and the Kempton Park CBD. Problematic roads cited were Pretoria Road, West Street, the R21 Highway, Monument Road, Long Street, Central Avenue, and Kempton Road.
The R21 was specifically identified as a hotspot for car hijackings.
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Residents voiced concerns about high rates of property-related crimes such as housebreakings and vehicle thefts, suggesting that installing boom gates to enclose vulnerable areas could help reduce crime, citing success in other neighbourhoods.
Ward Councillor Jaco Terblanche (Ward 16) assured residents he would assist with the process to install boom gates.
He also informed attendees that the EMPD has implemented a new contact system requiring residents to call the DEMS Call Centre, where they receive a reference number to track their requests – a system that has already proven effective.
Terblanche further announced a new homeless strategy, including a temporary shelter near the Civic Centre and mobile units providing showers and fresh clothing weekly.
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The long-term plan is to establish a permanent drop-off centre in Kempton Park offering services such as barbers, showers, meals, and overnight beds.
“This will not be a dry shelter but a wet shelter where anyone can be assisted,” Terblanche explained.
“The Department of Social Development and the City of Ekurhuleni are collaborating to secure a permanent site for the centre.”
Izelle van den Berg from Kempton Park CPF thanked all attendees for their commitment to community safety. The next meeting is scheduled for September 2025.
