A hijacking haven arises
Overall, a 4, 9 percent increase in carjacking and 24, 6 percent increase in truck hijacking incidents was recorded between 1 January and 31 March 2021.
Akasia police station in the north of Pretoria is among the 30 areas in South Africa where carjackings were most prevalent, according to the latest crime statistics released last week.
The figures showed that the Akasia police station recorded a 10.5% increase in carjackings, compared to the same period in 2020.
The fourth quarter crime numbers, for January to March 2021, were presented by police minister Bheki Cele during a media briefing on Friday.
The station recorded a total of 42 incidents from January to March 2021, compared to 38 last year.
This was compared to the overall 4.9% in hijackings recorded across the country.
“Carjackings took place mostly informal and non-formal residences in the country’s townships followed by suburbs and urban areas,” he said.
The cars of choice for criminals were sedans and hatchbacks, followed by panel vans and bakkies.
Another crime category where Akasia featured among the top 30 stations was truck hijacking, which jumped from five cases to nine.
Another station in the area that also featured in this top 30 was Sinoville, which saw an increase to four incidents from three, a 33.3% increase.
Overall, the country saw a 24.6% increase in truck hijackings as 354 trucks or courier vans were targeted for their cargo, which usually included food, appliances and other priced goods.
“Police must step up their efforts in clamping down on truck hijackings which saw a double-digit percent increase,” he said.
The Akasia police station didn’t fare too well when it comes to other crimes such as robberies at residential premises, which jumped from 25 incidents to 39 – a 56.0% increase.
Overall, a 7.65% increase in robberies at residential premises was recorded nationwide.
In contrast, robberies at non-residential premises saw a double-digit drop, along with theft of vehicles and motorcycles and theft out of motor vehicles.
Despite this, the Sinoville and Akasia police stations were among the top 30 stations across the country when it comes to the theft of vehicles and motorcycles.
Sinoville saw 102 incidents and Akasia 74.
Not all was bad news though as contact crimes such as assault and sexual offences dropped by 8.5% nationwide.
Murder and attempted murder, however, saw an increase as 4 976 people were killed across the country during the period of reporting. This was 387 more than the same period in 2020.
Of those murdered, 1 327 died at either their place or the perpetrator’s, which included the homes of family, friends and neighbours.
“In some instances, these people could have had some kind of domestic relationship,” he said.
From a sample of 4 911 murders, a total of 2 378 people were killed in public spaces such as streets, open fields, recreational parks, beaches and abandoned buildings.
The top four causes of murders remained arguments, robberies (both residential and non-residential), street robberies, mob justice and gang-related incidents.
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