Crime statistics indicate a rise in assault in Hoedspruit over last quarter of 2022

Burglary at residential premises also increased by 250% from six to 21 incidences compared to the same period in 2021. Sexual offences increased by 150%, from four cases to 10 cases. Commercial crime increased by 142,9%, from seven cases to 17 cases. While no murders or attempted murders have been documented in this period in Hoedspruit, nationwide a total of 7 555 murders were recorded, 696 more culminating in a 10,1% increase.

The country as a whole documented 12 419 cases of rape, an increase of 9,8% from 11 315 in 2021. The majority of the murders and attempted murders are committed in public areas such as parks, open fields, and on the street. “The crime figures released reflect crimes reported from October to December 2022. After the Covid-19 pandemic, this is the first festive season with increased movement of people and a high number of social gatherings including family gatherings and celebrations,” said Cele.

Also read: Increase in commercial crime in Hoedspruit

“We pre-empted the increased festive season activities and deployed police to identify areas of concern. The deployment included 10 000 new police constables who have and continue to increase the police’s footprint on the ground. It is encouraging that 10 000 more recruits will be trained in 2023 and join the police service at the end of this year. The third quarter crime figures show that while there is an increase in contact crimes such as murder, assault, and robberies, there is a significant improvement in crimes detected as a result of police action.

“There are signs of improvements in crimes such as cash in transit heists and bank robberies which have reported decreases in the period of reporting,” he said. “These decreases are attributed to increased police visibility through patrols, stop and search operations, vehicle check-points, and roadblocks.” Out of the 7 555 people murdered in the three months of reporting, 3 144 people were killed with firearms, 2 498 people were killed with other weapons such as knives, sharp and blunt instruments, bricks, and in many cases, bare hands.

“It is clear, a broader conversation must be had about what is at the heart of violent crime in the country. With the analysis of the current and previous statistics, it is evident that firearms are only part of a bigger problem. At the core of the matter, is human behaviour. We have to be honest as South Africans about the causes of violence and address them. High rates of unemployment and poverty levels, the mushrooming of informal settlements with little to no services, and other socioeconomic ills are breeding criminality,” he concluded.