POLOKWANE – The Seshego and Mankweng police stations have both remained in the top 30 stations for rape and sexual assault cases in the first quarter of the 2021/22 period. The national statistics were released by Minister Bheki Cele last Friday.
A total of 39 rape cases were recorded in Seshego and 37 cases in Mankweng over the past three months. Both stations recorded 45 cases for sexual assault and according to the statistics, most of these cases took place at the residence of the perpetrator or the victim or in a public place.
The chairperson for the Seshego Community Against Drugs and Gangsterism group, Vincent Kunutu, told BONUS that they have noted an increase in murder and theft of motor vehicle cases, particularly over the past three weeks since temporarily suspending their patrols due to community complaints. Seshego recorded 16 murder cases and 12 attempted murder cases, while Mankweng only recorded three murder and two attempted murder cases.
“We noticed that as the organisation grew, criminals would use our platform to commit their crimes and were working for their own benefit under the guise of being affilliated to us. When we suspended patrols, we asked the police to assist us with training and a working system that would ensure those patrolling would ensure the safety of the community.”
Kunutu says the statistics are a true reflection of what they are experiencing in the community, considering the five murder cases and seven stolen cars picked up over the past three weeks.
Fourteen motor vehicles were stolen in the three-month reporting period in Mankweng and 10 from Seshego.
“The group has a 72-hour period to find stolen vehicles and we believe we’ve made a breakthrough in this category. Although the cars are stolen, retrieving them for the victims is our main objective.” Kunutu says the number of assault cases were also high over the past few months, adding that more people were assaulted with the intention to do grievous body harm (GBH).”
Seshego recorded 130 assault GBH cases, followed by robbery and mob justice. A total of 119 common assault cases were recorded, which backs up Kunutu’s statement.
He tells BONUS that their patrols will return in a structured manner in September that will promote accountability.
“I have had various meetings with the Community Safety MEC, police commissioner and the station commander in Seshego in which I highlighted the importance of adequate resources for our station. As much as we want to pounce on criminals, if there is no van when we need it, our efforts are in vain. I received positive feedback from them and I am confident they will pump up their resources soon.”
