Crime stats released, serious crime down in Toti
Amanzimtoti only features in the national top 30 for shoplifting.
THE latest crime statistics have been released and the policing precincts of Amanzimtoti and the surroundings do not feature in the top 30 lists for serious crimes nationally.
ALSO READ: Amanzimtoti crime round-up
The 2021/ 2022 third-quarter statistics covered the three months from October to December 2021, and were released during the second week of February. Serious crimes are classified as crimes such as rape, murder, assault, robbery, arson, and other related crimes.
The only time Amanzimtoti features it is for being number 22 in the country for shoplifting. It remains to be seen what the next quarter’s statistics will look like as the South Coast experienced a major spike in murders between December 2021 and February 2022. Many of these cases remain unsolved. In December, seven people were shot and killed as they sat in a home in Folweni.
In January 15, a man was shot and killed in an Amanzimtoti supermarket where he had fled on foot running from his killers. The next day, four men were shot and killed in KwaMakhutha as they sat drinking under a tree next to the road. (Link yet to be made in shootings – South Coast SUN, February 4). Provincial SAPS spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbele, said the investigations into the murders continue and no suspects have been arrested.
Amanzimtoti SAPS communications officer, Captain Charlene van der Spuy, said the detectives have been working tirelessly from the beginning of the year to arrest suspects for various crimes in the area. In that month alone, 12 suspects were arrested for various crimes, including murder, housebreaking, theft, and malicious damage to property.
“People in our communities are encouraged to assist the detectives with information that can lead to successful apprehension and conviction of suspects. Any information received will be regarded as privileged and confidential. The police work hand-in-hand with the crime prevention forums and sub-forums, security companies, and armed response units looking at a proactive approach in keeping our area safe,” said Van der Spuy.
