Demands for intervention as crime deepens
MPL Thoko Mashiane said the party is deeply alarmed by the latest crime statistic for Mpumalanga, which paints a grim picture of increasing violence and sexual offences across the province.
Mpumalanga has one of the highest rape statistics in the country. This is according to ActionSA. MPL Thoko Mashiane said the party is deeply alarmed by the latest crime statistic for Mpumalanga, which paints a grim picture of increasing violence and sexual offences across the province.
“These figures expose a government that has failed to ensure the safety of residents, particularly women and children, who continue to bear the brunt of violent crimes.”
According to Mashiane, rape cases have increased by 1.3%, with 784 cases reported between October and December 2024. The province now has a rape ratio of 15.8 per 100 000 people, one of the highest in the country.
Kabokweni Police Station in Ehlanzeni District ranks first in the province and 11th nationally for reported rape cases, making it a hotspot for sexual violence that requires urgent intervention.
“Even more disturbing is the rise in sexual assaults, which increased by 6.5%, alongside a surge in assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm (GBH) by 4.3%.
“Schools, which should be safe havens for children, have also become crime scenes, with five reported rapes in Mpumalanga’s schools in three months. This raises serious concerns about the security measures to protect learners.”
Mashiane said domestic violence-related crimes remain unacceptably high, with 44 reported rapes, 18 murders, and 524 cases of assault GBH linked to domestic abuse. These figures highlight a dire need for more effective law enforcement and victim support services.
“ActionSA demands immediate action from the Mpumalanga government and law enforcement agencies to combat this crisis.
“We call on the SAPS to deploy more police officers to high-crime areas; improve response times to reports of gender-based violence and domestic abuse; to increase visible policing and safety measures in schools to protect learners; and to strengthen investigations and ensure that perpetrators face swift justice.
“The people of Mpumalanga cannot continue to live in fear while criminals act with impunity. If the provincial government and law enforcement fail to act decisively, ActionSA will explore all available avenues to hold them accountable, including seeking national intervention.
“South Africans deserve a justice system that protects victims, not one that enables criminals. We will not rest until the government takes real action to restore safety and security in our communities,” concluded Mashiane.
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