The KaBokweni Police Station is ranked the station with the most rape and sexual assault cases in the province.

The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, and the acting Mpumalanga police commissioner, Major General Dr Zeph Makhwanazi, made the official announcement of the province’s 2024/25 third-quarter crime statistics on February 26.

During the announcement, Macie commended the law enforcement agencies’ efforts in reducing crime in most categories, but expressed his concerns over the persistence of sexual offences. He highlighted the importance of public awareness in combatting gender-based violence and femicide, and the need for community collaboration.

A closer look into the statistics revealed that 54 cases of rape were reported to the KaBokweni SAPS, ranking this station at number one in the province and 11th nationally. The number of cases increased from 42 in the second quarter of 2023/24.

Another Nsikazi police station, the one in Pienaar, recorded a decrease from 45 to 34 cases, currently ranking number four in the province.
Overall, the Ehlanzeni District Municipality recorded 379 rape cases, while the province recorded a total of 784 cases.

The stats report presented by Macie and Mkhwanazi depicted that most rape cases, which had been reported occurred at the residences of the perpetrators or in public spaces, including in the streets. Most victims knew their rapist.

ALSO READ: Big Joe shoots down social-media rumours of attempt on his life in Hazyview

The KaBokweni SAPS also recorded the highest number of sexual assault cases, increasing from zero in the second quarter to 10 in the third quarter.

Both Pienaar and KaBokweni ranked in the top five stations in Mpumalanga with the highest number of attempted murders; Pienaar at number two with 24 cases and KaBokweni number five with 16.

The report showed that most attempted murder cases had also been reported to have taken place in public spaces, followed by residences of perpetrators including those who are known by the victim.

In total, Pienaar recorded a high number of the 17 community-reported serious crimes, ranking number three with 494 cases. These crimes include murder, theft, arson, robbery, burglary and assault. The capital city’s station, the Nelspruit Police Station, ranked first in this category with 1 214 cases. Mkhwanazi reiterated the police’s commitment to reducing crimes such as rapes, sexual offences, burglaries, stock theft and theft out of motor vehicles.

ALSO READ: SAPS nabs Bushbuckridge policewoman: Sergeant allegedly masterminded husband’s murder

Carjacking was most prevalent in the eMalahleni area with 62 cases being reported, however, 19 cases were reported in KaBokweni, ranking it number three in this crime category.

Mkhwanazi said: “It is important that we encourage proactive policing and urge commanders to strive for a significant reduction in crime rates in the upcoming quarter of 2024/25.”