The North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety, and Transport Management expresses concern over the increase in crime incidents in the province.
The 4th quarter of 2022/23 crime statistics report reveals a 4.8% rise in crime incidents between January and March 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year, with a total of 24,134 cases reported.
Committee Chairperson Hon. Mmoloki Cwaile highlights the growing number of residential robberies, which negatively impact community members’ sense of security in their own homes.
The report also reveals a surge in domestic violence cases, totaling 1,733 incidents involving women and children. Hon. Cwaile calls upon men to refrain from committing crimes against women and children, as gender-based violence and femicide rates continue to escalate at an alarming rate.
In the capital city of the North West Province, Mmabatho Police Station recorded the highest number of sexual crimes, along with an upsurge in child neglect and ill-treatment cases.
One significant factor contributing to the increase in violent incidents is alcohol abuse. Hon. Cwaile emphasizes the need for the full implementation of the National Drug Master Plan and asserts that all stakeholders must play their part in combating alcohol and drug abuse, recognizing it as a societal problem.
To mitigate and terminate high crime risks, the Committee directs that hotspots should receive more attention, and additional resources should be deployed. Intelligence-driven interventions and responses are also necessary.
The Portfolio Committee endorses well-coordinated efforts from all role players in mitigating criminal activities. Community-based organizations (CBOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) should complement the police force’s work.
The police are urged to respond swiftly to reported crimes and improve communication and feedback mechanisms when dealing with victims. Police stations should serve as the first point of contact for government services that support crime victims.
The Portfolio Committee also plans to engage the civilian secretariat in reviewing approaches and strategies for combating stock theft, farming community-based crimes, and rural policing.
The South African Police Service Department of Police Crime Investigations (DPCI), also known as the Hawks, is encouraged to expedite the processing of reported corruption and malfeasance cases, while the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) should make swift decisions on whether to prosecute or not.
Such timely actions by law enforcement agencies are expected to help bridge the trust deficit and build confidence in their ability to tackle crimes that affect residents’ lives and livelihoods. The Portfolio Committee remains committed to supporting the department and police in fulfilling their responsibilities to ensure community safety.
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