The Acting Minister of Police, Firoz Cachalia, painted a grim picture of the country’s crime rate on May 22 during the release of the fourth-quarter crime statistics for the period from January 1 to March 31 at GCIS Auditorium in Pretoria.

In attendance was the Deputy Minister of Police, Cassel Mathale, and the Acting National Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Puleng Dimpane.

Read more: Crime statistics inspire action

Cachalia noted that the figures presented mirrored the state of our society. “Behind every statistic is a traumatised victim, a distraught family, and a community living in fear.”

He noted that before the statistics announcement, he met with human rights activists. They raised the issue of whistleblowers and human rights activists, stating that they are vulnerable and being murdered without mercy. “Regrettably, too many people who stand up to crime and corruption are targeted for standing up for the right thing. Strengthening the regime of whistleblower protection must therefore be a priority.”

The acting police minister added that the cabinet approved the Protector Disclosures Bill for public comment.

The publication highlighted the Rosebank precinct, including Bramley Police Station, which featured in several categories.

Also read: Murder up in crime stats

In trio crimes, Bramley recorded an increase of 15 counts, from 42 to 57 incidents. Trio crimes are made up of carjacking, robbery at non-residential premises, and robbery at residential premises.

For the carjacking category, Bramley recorded an increase of 13 counts, from 30 to 43 incidents.

In the kidnapping category, Bramley recorded an increase of 14 counts, from 17 to 31.

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