This is according to the crime statistics for the 2022 third quarter that was recently
released by the Minister of Police Bheki Cele in Pretoria. In the three months the local station
documented 26 cases of rape, an increase of 13 cases when compared to the same period of 2021.  Sexual assault increased by 50%. However not all is gloom at Namakgale as murder decreased by 80%, only one case was reported unlike the five cases which were reported in the same period in 2021.

There were no incidences of cash in-transit heists, bank robberies and truck hi-jacking, the so-called trio crimes. Lulekani Police Station reported four murders compared to zero murders in 2021. Rape also increased by 14.3% and two arson cases were reported during this period. In Lulekani there were no cases of carjacking and robbery at residential premises reported.

Also read: Robberies at Tzaneen premises increase

Meanwhile Phalaborwa Police Station reported one murder and a 20% decrease in sexual offences with four cases reported in the three months. Rape cases also decreased by 50%, from four cases in 2021 to two cases in 2022. Cele believes that mass recruitment of police members and reinforcement of specialised units will soon produce positive results in curbing crime in the country.

“Calls by South Africans on the police to deal decisively with crime are loud and clear and are not falling on deaf ears. “The SAPS is and will continue to intensify intelligence led operations to take down individuals or criminals terrorising communities,” the minister explained. He concluded by urging communities to work with the police as the SAPS on
its own won’t be able to alleviate criminal activities, he said.