Akasia SAPS returns to top 10 most crime-riddled stations, CPF calls for community collaboration-
According to the latest crime stats released, Akasia police station is going through troubled waters after being ranked ninth in the province.
The latest crime statistics have brought troubling news for the Akasia community, placing Akasia SAPS station back among the top-10 most crime-riddled stations in the province.
The Akasia policing precinct was ranked number nine provincially and 23 nationally in the latest quarter crime stats for the 2024/25 financial year released by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on November 25.
Akasia SAPS reported an 11.1% decrease in contact crimes, with 16 attempted murder cases reported in their area.
Assault with intent to cause GBH decreased by 6.5% (108 cases to 101) and cases of common assault increased by 19.5% (164 to 196). Common robberies decreased by seven counts (now 54) and murder cases decreased by four counts (now 14) while sexual offences decreased by seven (now 44).
Cases of robbery with aggravating circumstances decreased by 32.5%, from 252 cases down to 170.
This quarter, 31 rapes were reported.
Carjackings decreased by 12 counts, down to 32 reported cases and robberies at non-residential premises decreased by eight counts to 11 cases.
Motor vehicle or motorcycle theft cases decreased by 6.5% to a total of 58 reported cases.
Detected drug-related crimes decreased by nine counts (58 to 49) and cases of driving under the influence (DUI) increased by one count.
This unfortunate development has caused widespread concern among local leaders, particularly in light of the persistent crime challenges that have plagued the area.
However, the Akasia Community Policing Forum (CPF) sees this moment not as a time of despair, but as a critical call for action for the entire community.
CPF Public Relations officer Lerato Makwe expressed both alarm and a renewed sense of purpose following the release of the stats.
She said these highlight the need for all stakeholders, from community members, SAPS, and local businesses, to the CPF, to work together more effectively.
The CPF believes that only by joining hands and finding innovative solutions can rising crime trends be curbed and a safer Akasia be realised.
“The latest statistics have shown that Akasia has returned to the top-10 stations with the most reported crimes in the province.
“This is a concerning development, and as the Akasia CPF and SAPS, we remain committed to addressing this challenge with our valued community,” said Makwe.
She said one of the key issues contributing to this rise in crime is the non-functional streetlights in many areas, which compromise safety and visibility.
“We are working towards resolving this matter and need your assistance to ensure that every concern is accounted for.
“If you have reported a streetlight issue to the municipality and have a reference number but the issue remains unresolved, we kindly request you to submit your reference number to us.
“This is an opportunity for us to come together and advocate for the safety and well-being of Akasia. By taking action as a united community, we can make a meaningful difference in reducing crime and improving living conditions for everyone.”
In response to the alarming statistics, the CPF has outlined a comprehensive action plan that focuses on collaboration, proactive policing and community involvement.
This strategy centres on enhancing patrol visibility, data-driven policing and sector-specific crime prevention.
Enhanced patrol visibility is the first and foremost priority.
“The CPF’s Watchman Street by Street Patrol Programme will be expanded to ensure that every neighbourhood within Akasia has active patrols, both day and night.
“These patrols will be co-ordinated with the SAPS, focusing on crime hotspots to ensure maximum impact. Through this, the CPF aims to deter potential criminals and reassure residents of the heightened security measures.”
Makwe said crime data analysis will play a crucial role.
“By partnering with SAPS, we want to carefully examine the detailed statistics to identify crime patterns and trends.
“This will allow law enforcement to allocate resources more effectively, concentrating efforts on the areas and types of crime that are most prevalent, such as property crimes like housebreakings and vehicle theft.”
She said increased surveillance through affordable CCTV cameras, installed by residents in vulnerable areas, will provide an extra layer of security.
“This will be supplemented by random stop-and-search operations and roadblocks in known hotspots, aimed at catching criminals in the act and preventing further incidents.
“We believe that true safety can only be achieved through active participation from the community,” said Makwe.
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