Controversy over crime stats
Telling a victim of crime that statistics are dropping in the province, would just be preaching to the choir. However, the province seems to be contradictory in terms of the increase and decrease of crime statistics.
MBOMBELA – Telling a victim of crime that statistics are dropping in the province, would just be preaching to the choir. However, the province seems to be contradictory in terms of the increase and decrease of crime statistics.
Recent incidents in Nkomazi have led the local police and people on the ground to believe that crime in the area is a serious concern and in need of attention.
A 35-year-old man was shot seven times by his neighbour after he went to the suspect’s house to confront him about a certain grievance. The two started arguing and the suspect took his firearm and shot the victim, who was taken to hospital.
The police in the area are also complaining about KaMaqhekeza, which is apparently a hub for criminals.
“Most of the perpetrators are from Naas, they are the ones torturing people around Tonga and the neighbouring places. Cases of break-ins, rape, and other crimes are perpetrated by suspects from the area.
Although it seems as if these crimes are on the rise, we are working on curbing it, and we have also involved the community, through the Indlovu Yetfu programme,” said Lt Mzwandile Nyambi of Tonga SAPS.
The MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Mr Vusi Shongwe, has weighed in on the matter, substantiating the fact that crime is going down in the province.
“We don’t have the official statistics yet, the minister will announce them in September.
But, I can safely say that we are winning the fight against crime in the province. My latest reservation, however, has shown me that we need to focus special attention on murder and robbery cases, with priority to the killing of police officers,” said Shongwe.
He also gave the benefit of the doubt why local police stations would say that crime was increasing. “They are looking at it from the perspective of the naked eye. We are looking at it from a researcher’s view.
They are the direct contact and eyes to the community, it is understandable for them to do that. However, we also acknowledge the great intervention from Operation Fiela.
It’s helping us a great deal. The stats are going down and the numbers will speak for us in September,” he added.
Whether the researchers or the victims and people on the ground are the right ones in this matter, it remains the standing question. Shongwe went on to issue a stern warning to the community that they would not tolerate police killings in any way.
“In recent incidents, officers were killed in KaBokweni and Middelburg, respectively, and this is to mention but a few scenes. We live by our slogan, ‘Wabulala iphoyisa, wabulala umphakathi’, we are going to get to the bottom of this, because it just has to end,” he concluded.
