LIMPOPO – Crime statistics for July to September released by Police Minister Senso Mchunu showed a significant decrease in crime in the Hoedspruit region compared to the same period last year.

No cases of attempted murder were recorded compared to the six cases in the same period last year.

Robbery with aggravating circumstances also decreased by five counts from seven to two incidences.

Murder decreased by one count, from three cases to two cases.

Common assault decreased by six counts, from 16 counts to 10 counts and sexual offences decreased by three counts, from seven cases in 2023 to four cases in 2024.

Despite this, commercial crimes increased by four counts, from 13 cases to 17 cases.

No bank robberies, truck hijackings, attempted sexual offences and contact sexual offences have been documented in this period in Hoedspruit.

Rape also decreased by two cases from six cases in 2023 to four cases in 2024.

Malicious damage to property and stock theft remained at 14 cases and two cases respectively.

Nationwide a total of 6 545 murders were recorded in the three months, 400 fewer culminating in a 5.8% decrease this year. The country as a whole documented 10 191 cases of rape, a decrease of 3.1%% from 10 516 in 2023.

“Contact crime decreased by 3.0%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%.

Focussing on contact crime, the statistics indicate that murder decreased by 5,8%, sexual offences by 2.5%, and robbery with aggravating circumstances by 8.8%.

Additionally, rape decreased by 3.1%, while robbery at residential premises and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1%, respectively,” Mchunu said.

“Among the 17 community-reported crime categories monitored, the only increases were observed in attempted murder, assault GBH and commercial crime, which rose by 2.2%, 1.0% and 18.5% respectively. Despite these gains, the persistence of high crime rates underscores the urgency of doubling our efforts in law enforcement, prevention, and community involvement,” said Mchunu.

He said that SAPS have through targeted operations, strategic deployments, and enhanced policing tactics, achieved several successes in the fight against crime.

“In Limpopo, Groblersdal, a clandestine drug lab was discovered, with crystal meth estimated at R2b recovered. Four suspects, including the farm owner and two Mexican nationals, were arrested. In another intelligence-driven operation, five suspects were arrested and the discovery of a drug manufacturing laboratory containing mandrax and equipment worth R3.3m.”