Although the latest crime statistics haven’t been well received in most spheres of society, the fact that the Limpopo Police still managed to reduce crime by an estimated 8% the past year for a second consecutive 12-month period is certainly a feather in their cap.
Confirming the outcome of a reduction in crime in the province after maintaining a 2,6% decrease in 2016/17, Limpopo Police Communications Head Motlafela Mojapelo said it depicted an ongoing trend of crime reduction since current Provincial Commissioner Nneke Ledwaba had taken over in 2016.
Mojapelo explained that determination of the national position depended on managing different crime categories. In terms of the recent released crime statistics of the last financial year, he said the Police in Limpopo had somewhat of a problem with cases of murder and that they had to deal with the contributing factors through strategies they had to come up with.
Lately a mushrooming of case pertaining to the use of drugs, such as nyaope, and the abuse of alcohol at shebeens and illegal liquor outlets had been observed, he said and pointed out that it contributed to crimes like murder and rape. As they went about their duties the Police arrested suspects in such cases, he mentioned.
In conclusion Mojapelo attributed their success to positive liaison with a powerful Community Policing Forum (CPF) structure and rural safety platforms in the province as well as support received from the community.
In a statement the African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo commended the Police in the province for being the best in reducing crime countrywide. ANC Provincial Secretary Soviet Lekganyane expressed satisfaction with the fact that this year’s improvement had surpassed the previous year’s record in almost all serious categories of crime.
He continued quoting contact crimes in the province having gone down by 4,6% and a decrease of property-related crimes by 8,1% which, according to him, was a good indicator that the Police were hard at work to ensure people’s safety.
“We have got no doubt that this achievement happened only because the Police have been working hand in glove with members of the community, especially with CPFs and Community Safety Forums (CSFs). Going forward, we are hoping that serious attention will be given to other stations that are still struggling to reduce murder cases, like Seshego, Thohoyandou, Mankweng and Lebowakgomo.
The ANC is grossly concerned about the unacceptable high levels of murder crimes in these specific areas. The freedom of our people is intimately tied to their right to life, therefore the ANC implores on the Police management to double their efforts in ensuring that those hotspots (areas) are given maximum attention to ensure the safety of our populace.”
Story: YOLANDE NEL
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