This is according to the new crime statistics which was released last week by the minister of police, Bheki Cele. Murder rose with one count while rape is four counts higher and drug-related crimes have increased by 11.1% from nine to eight cases reported. There is some good news for the station as it documented no incidences of carjacking and arson in the past two years. Lulekani has had a 100% decline in murder, with zero cases when compared to two murders in 2020/2021.

However, rape has increased by 16.7% from six to seven cases. Robbery at residential premises in the township has increased by 200%. Namakgale seems to be the most violent community in Phalaborwa area, as the station recorded a 500% increase in arson cases with six counts to one. Murder cases are five counts higher, with five murders to none in the 2020/2021 period.

Also read: Crime stats show a decrease in Limpopo

Despite these rape has declined by 7.1%, with 13 were reported from the 14 cases in 2020/2021. A total of 6 859 murders were recorded nationwide, 562 more culminating to an 8.9% increase. The country documented 5 455 cases of carjacking, an increase of 13.8% from the 4794 in 2020/2021 period. Majority of the murders and attempted murders are committed in public areas such as parks, open fields and on the street. But not all is gloom as countrywide statistics of sexual offenses have declined by 9% from 15 595 to 14 188 cases.

903 less rape cases were opened in the past year, resulting in a 7.4% decline from 12 218 in 2020/2021 to 11 315 in the 2021/2022. “These statistics are not necessarily a win for the SAPS, but they are certainly an improvement. “It is through the acceleration of policing and improving our working relationships with communities, through community-based structures such as community policing forums (CPF) and other NGOs that the crime picture can be improved,” Cele concluded.