Robberies at Tzaneen premises increase

This is according to the latest crime statistics which were released by the Minister of Police, Bheki Cele in Pretoria recently. The stats reflect crimes reported between October and December of 2022 compared to the same period the previous year. During this period Tzaneen documented an increase of 60.6% in robberies with aggravating circumstances with 53 cases in 2022 to 33 cases in 2021; 20 more than the same period in 2021.

However, not all is gloomy as no cash-in-transit heists, bank robberies, and truck hi-jackings also referred to as the trio cases, have been recorded in the last five years. Carjackings remained at two cases. There is a glimmer of hope as murder declined by 33.3% and rape by 3.7%. Tzaneen police commander, Brig Edward Masinamela, says that the crime stats reflect that they are trying their best to curb criminality. “Most of the criminal activities in our region have been reduced.”

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He said robbery and burglary at residents and business premises remain problematic. We have recorded a number of robberies in Aqua Park, where they normally steal laptops and televisions.” In Bolobedu South robberies are also prevalent. “In most townships and villages, foreign national shops are targeted,” he said. Cele believes that mass recruitment of police members and reinforcement of specialised units will soon produce positive results in curbing crime.

“Calls by South Africans on the police to deal decisively with the crime are loud and clear and are not falling on deaf ears. The police will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to take down individuals or criminals terrorising communities,” the minister explained. He concluded by urging communities to work with the police to alleviate crime.