The validity of the recently released annual crime statistics for Amanzimtoti was called into question by ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge.
According to the stats, murder in Toti is down from last year from 13 to eight cases; attempted murder from 28 to 23; robbery with aggravating circumstances from 252 to 209; Burglary at non-residential premises from 113 to 97; burglary at residential premises from 914 to 854; theft of motor vehicle and motorcycle from 319 to 264; drug-related crime from 229 to 223; carjacking from 80 to 43; Robbery at residential premises from 47 to 34;
Increases include total sexual crimes from 49 to 62; assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm from 62 to 83; common assault from 133 to 138; malicious injury to property from 148 to 165; theft out of or from motor vehicle from 283 to 358; commercial crime from 209 to 269 (all time high for 10-year period); shoplifting from 387 to 431 (all time high for 10-year period); robbery at non-residential premises from 15 to 18; culpable homicide from 16 to 25; crimen injuria from 27 to 34.
“While one would want to congratulate not only the SA Police, but all role players that contribute to the war against crime, these statistics do warrant closer inspection and question,” said Cllr Beetge.
“Commercial crime and shoplifting is on an all time high, with burglary at both residential and non residential property being only marginally down on the previous year. All of these are ‘crimes of substance’ and indicative of the risks people are prepared to take to ensure day-to-day survival.
Sexual crimes, although being the second highest in 10 years, does however not include any conviction relating to solicitation – this despite the ever increasing prostitution problem that is allowed to continue seemingly unhindered on our streets.”
According to Cllr Beetge, drug-related crime is one of the eyebrow-raisers, as it reflects the lowest figure in the 10-year time frame. “This against the backdrop of reports of open drug trading on the streets, substance abuse at house parties, schools and entertainment establishments, necessitating interest groups to take a stand. Clearly someone is missing something.
Until residents report all relevant incidents, or for that matter the SA Police actually open cases, the national official crime statistics will continue to remain an open question.”
