Violent crime on the rise in Moot

Violent crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, rape, kidnappings, robberies at residential premises, burglaries at residential premises, cash-in-transit robberies and others have all increased in Gauteng.

This was according to crime statistics for the third quarter from October to December 2022 released by the South African police service.

Police minister Bheki Cele showed that 7 555 people were murdered between October and December 2022 nationwide.

Even more worrying, a total of 3 144 people were killed with a firearm and 2 498 with other deadly weapons such as knives.

Statistics from police stations in the Moot paint a worrying picture of an increase in violent crime, especially murder and sexual offences.

Assault and robbery cases have also seen an increase.

Car hijackings and robberies at both residential and non-residential premises are also on the rise.

The Villieria police station reports an increase in violent crimes with robbery with aggravating circumstances seeing the steepest increase of all.

Property-related crimes continue to be a problem with robberies at both residential and non-residential properties seeing an increase.

Violent crime continues to be a problem in Eersterust with the station reporting an increase in contact crimes, especially in the cases of murder and sexual offences as well as robbery with aggravating circumstances.

Cele said integrated crime prevention and crime combatting operations were critical in policing.

He said police were fast-tracking legislation to close the gaps in policing related to CPF activities.

“The legislation will bolster police work, such as the Amendment of the SAPS Act, to strengthen the functioning of CPFs.

The amendments will ensure that CPFs are provided with some resources to enable them to function optimally.

CPFs are the police’s strongest link to communities and play an integral role in the safety partnership that we are calling on.”

Cele said it was the police’s job to prevent, combat and investigate crime.

However, he also said a community-centred approach to the prevention and combatting of crime was needed to yield better results.

“We call on South Africans to be part of the safety partnership between civil society and community structures, religious and other organised groupings, business and law enforcement.”

Cele added that further discussions were underway within the security cluster to tighten the gaps and loopholes in the criminal justice system.

This includes the bail regime, parolees and ex-offender processes.

“We all agree that punishment should fit the crime and the justice system and law enforcement should collaborate better.

At a cluster level, we are also engaging on the issues of porous borders, which have a direct impact on policing.”

He said police had arrested over 13 000 illegal foreigners between October and December 2022.

Residents are urged to stay vigilant.

The Villieria police station offered the following safety tips for residents to follow:

Hijackings:
– Do not pick up hitchhikers, particularly when alone.
– Avoid distractions such as being on your phone, drinking and driving, etc.
– Increase caution at intersections – always keep a lookout for people loitering around your car or for any sudden activity around your car.

House robberies:
– Always be on the lookout for suspicious persons and vehicles
– Enhance security by fitting access doors with security gates and installing burglar bars on windows
– Request neighbours to keep an eye when you are away for an extended period
– Do not open gates and doors to strangers
– Verify the details of anyone before you employ them and check the authenticity of a contractor before you allow them access to the premises

Business robberies:
– Do not keep too much money on the business premises
– Be on the lookout for suspicious customers
– Business owners must not open for anyone after the business has closed

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