This is the state of crime in Limpopo

POLOKWANE – The provincial crime statistics were released by the provincial police commissioner Lt Genl Fannie Masemola today.

According to Crime Stats SA, attempted murder, assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm and common assault were among the highest crimes in Limpopo.

In Polokwane, it was reported that 29,1% of reported shoplifting incidents in Limpopo occur in Polokwane, with 764 shoplifting incidents having been reported this year.

Review spoke to several shop owners and some store managers in the area about shoplifting incidents that occur in their stores.

The manager of a homeware store in the central business district said shoplifting occured at least three to five times a week, which was around 20 times per month.

“People steal various items; anything from ornaments to linen. The manner in which items are stolen also varies. Some people place small items in their pockets. It has happened that people wishing to steal something big simply put it into their shopping trolley and walk out of the store with it.”

Jimmy Nelson, the manager of a local grocery store in Nirvana, said his store experienced between 10 and 20 shoplifting incidents per month.

He said this trend accounted for around R5 000 in losses each month.

“It is not only the value of the item stolen that counts, we also have to cover the cost of replacing the stolen item,” Nelson explained.

Nelson said shoplifting seriously affected businesses’ profit margins.

“The losses mean there is less profit and less money for overhead expenses, which includes salaries. As a result, small businesses end up closing their doors, effectively making their personnel redundant,” Nelson concluded.