‘Mams residents keep good relationship with police’

The latest quarter crime statistics released on Monday by the police minister revealed that there is a good working relationship between police and the community of Mamelodi.

The crime statistics revealed crime decreased in both Mamelodi East and West for the period between July to September.

Community reported serious crimes to Mamelodi West police decreased by 132 counts from 778 and by 140 counts from 1 389 in Mamelodi East.

However, crime detected as a result of police action has increased by 15 counts from 70 in Mamelodi West and by 12 counts from 223 in Mamelodi East.

The good news is that property-related crimes such as burglary at non-residential premises, residential theft out of motor vehicles, and stock theft decreased by 29 counts from 143 in Mamelodi East and by 38 counts from 110 in Mamelodi West.

In Mamelodi East, police reported a decrease of 9 counts from 135 in contact crime and of 7 counts from 63 in Mamelodi West.

“This is an important moment for our country, as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the safety and security of our communities while also assessing the progress we have made in the fight against crime,” police minister Senzo Mchunu said.

“When we first assumed office, we did so with a clear mandate – to fight and reduce crime across this country and to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans,” Mchunu said.

“It is a mandate that is rooted in a commitment to build a safe and secure country. A place where citizens can live free from fear, where our children can grow up without the shadow of violence over their lives, and where justice is not a privilege for the few but a right for all. It is a responsibility not for the SAPS only but for the whole of government, the whole of society.”

Gender-based violence (GBV) – which has become a national priority crime – requires our distinct focus, as it continues to devastate families and communities with a unique set of challenges that demand specialised intervention, thorough investigations and collaborative solutions.

“From July 1 to September 30 this year, the 17 communities that reported serious crimes showed an overall decline of 5.1%. Specifically, contact crime decreased by 3.0%, property-related crime saw a reduction of 9.9%, and other serious crime decreased by 3.4%,” said Mchunu.

He said the contact crime 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 and non-residential premises decreased by 1.3% and 21.1% respectively.

Among the 17 community-reported crime categories monitored, the only increases were observed in attempted murder, assault to commit GBH, and commercial crime, which rose by 2.2%, 1.0% and 18.5% respectively.

In Gauteng, crime intelligence achieved notable successes through multi-dimensional investigations. A raid on July 9 uncovered Mandrax and drug manufacturing tools valued at R2.6-million, resulting in four arrests.

On July 31, six suspects involved in the kidnapping of a businessman were apprehended, and crystal meth worth R300-million was confiscated.

Throughout July, arrests included drug mules smuggling narcotics valued in the millions, showcasing the SAPS’ determination to combat drug trafficking.

“On police misconduct, IPID [Independent Police Investigative Directorate] continues to keep police officers in check, and we will monitor their progress,” said Mchunu.

Thabang Mabasa from Uptown Community Safety said crime in their area has crime decreased.

He said the patrollers are working tirelessly every night from 22:00 until 06:00.

However, the complaint is that street lights are not working, and they are pleading for more police visibility, especially in identified hotspot areas.

He advised the community to look out for themselves and work together with them.

“Make sure you have arranged with your street committees or neighbours to check on your asset when you are away to avoid breakings,” said Mabasa

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram