Households in Gauteng have become the target of choice for criminals, according to Kate Lorimer, the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Community Safety.
According to Lorimer, “While the overall rate of reported crime in Gauteng has decreased according to the 2016/ 17 StatsSA Victims of Crime Survey, Gauteng has the highest number of victimised households in South Africa, with 306 888 cases recorded, compared to the Western Cape, which reported 214 914 incidents.”
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She said the number of Gauteng households that have experienced at least one break-in stands at 190 568. In the Western Cape this figure stands at only 77 723.
Of this figure, Ekurhuleni had the most break-ins, namely 59 822 for the year under review. Johannesburg had 55 334, Tshwane had 52 035, and non-metropolitan areas accounted for the balance.
Robberies that occurred at home also ranked the highest in SA, with 43 044 incidents reported. Assault also featured prominently with 38 615 incidents reported.
“It is clear from these figures that residents of Gauteng are not safe in their homes.
Strategic planning needs to take place to ensure that sectors are effectively monitored and that strong links are formed with Community Police Forums.
“The Gauteng MEC for Community Safety, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane, should take heed of these trends and establish revised protocols for the police to ensure that the residents of this province can be kept safe in their homes,” said Lorimer.
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