Ward 132 councillor Annette Deppe has raised concerns over the latest crime statistics presented by police, warning that, while some figures suggest improvement, underlying trends paint a more troubling picture.

The concerns were shared following a public meeting hosted by the Midrand Community Policing Forum at the Midrand Police Station on March 18, where residents gathered to engage police on safety issues affecting the area.

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According to the statistics presented, overall contact crimes have decreased by 15%. However, Deppe noted that this decline masks increases in several key categories. Common robbery has risen by 6.6%, while malicious property damage has surged by 33.6%. Property-related crimes have also climbed by 19.7%, largely driven by a 24.9% increase in theft out of motor vehicles.

Of further concern is the rise in so-called trio crimes, including house robberies, business robberies, and hijackings, which have increased by 22%. Sexual offences remain a serious issue, with reported rape cases up by 7.7%.

Deppe criticised the way in which crime data is shared with the public, saying it lacks the detail needed for communities to respond effectively. “Despite these worrying trends, the police continue to present crime data in overly broad geographic categories, such as Halfway House and Waterfall City, without providing the street-level or precinct-specific breakdowns necessary for meaningful community response.”

Deppe added that areas like Halfway House are vast and diverse, making it difficult for residents to identify crime hotspots, or take preventative action without more localised information. “It is deeply troubling that detailed crime data exists, but is not made accessible to the public.

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Ward councillors are not formally included in sector policing meetings, where critical operational information is shared. Public sector meetings are infrequent and poorly communicated, with some sectors reportedly meeting only once a year.”

She warned that the lack of transparency undermines trust between police and communities, weakens community policing efforts, and ultimately compromises public safety.

“Communities cannot effectively combat crime if they are denied access to accurate and timely information. Crime prevention requires a partnership between SAPS, community structures, and elected representatives, not a siloed approach where information is restricted.”

Deppe has called on police to improve transparency by providing more detailed, localised crime statistics, ensuring ward councillors are formally included in sector policing forums, increasing the frequency and visibility of public meetings, and strengthening collaboration with CPFs and neighbourhood structures.

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