Violent crime in Letaba spikes

This was revealed in the latest crime statistics released by police minister Bheki Cele last week. Tzaneen in terms of contact crimes, which include murder and sexual offences, had a total of 210 reported cases as compared to the 107 recorded previously. 

Sexual offences such as rape almost doubled with 19 reported cases compared to the previously reported ten. Aggravated robberies such as carjacking, robberies at residential and non-residential premises also spiked in Tzaneen.

Ritavi Police Station in Nkowankowa also experienced a spike in contact crimes with a shocking seven murders reported compared to one previously recorded. Sexual offences also increased in the Ritavi area with 19 reported rape cases compared to the 10 previously reported. 

Letsitele Police Station also recorded a spike in contact crimes with more murder cases and rape cases being reported in this quarter. Modjadjiskloof also followed a similar trend with contact crimes and sexual offences increasing respectively. 

Cele said the steep increases in the quarterly crime statistics, were a result of a normalisation of statistics as opposed to the same reporting period last year when the country was in lockdown. Cele was speaking during the release of the statistics which reflect double-digit increases in crimes that occurred between April and the end of June this year. 

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“The crime statistics of the first quarter are dismal if not understood within the context that lockdown levels introduced an irregular variation into the crime trends. “This however does not get us off the hook. While the double-digit increases do not necessarily reflect a true picture because they are being compared to an abnormal period when the country was at a standstill. 

It still means more work must be done to ensure the safety of all those who live within our borders.”

The minister, however, accepted that crime levels are rising at an alarming rate. “The crime holiday is long gone and these figures should action us and strengthen us in our resolve. The figures – as distorted as they are – must also sharpen the South African Police Service operational responses to make South Africa safe for all those who live in it.”

Nationally, the statistics reflected a 60.6% increase in contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, sexual offences and all categories of assault when compared to the same period last year. There were 5760 murders during the first quarter of the year – an increase of 66,2%. 

There was a 74.1% increase in sexual crimes. The minister revealed a 72.4% increase in reported rape cases with 10 006 victims coming to the fore. 

A 92% increase in trio crimes like house robberies, business robberies, and hijackings was experienced and a 35% increase in other serious crimes like commercial crime, shoplifting, and theft.

National police commissioner, Gen Khehla Sitole said despite these numbers, police were still out in full force, fighting crime.