Gauteng released its first-quarter crime statistics from April to June 2024, on August 30.
The publication highlighted areas of interest in the Rosebank precinct, which include Bramley, Sandringham and Parkview police stations. Bramley and Sandringham were featured in the trio of crimes of carjacking, robbery at residential premises, and robbery at non-residential premises. Bramley placed 29th in carjacking, recording 36 incidents, showing an increase of 14 counts in comparison to last year. Sandringham placed 26th in carjacking, recording 39 incidents which was relatively consistent over the same period last year.
Read more: Bramley Police Station records a decrease in fourth-quarter crime statistics
Sandringham was 27th in the category of driving under the influence of drugs. The station recorded 80 incidents, showing an increase of 35.6%. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said crime was generally on the increase, especially murder, rape, hijacking, kidnapping for ransom payments, and extortion. “Four of the nine provinces recorded increases in murder cases with the highest increase recorded in the Western Cape, followed by North West, Eastern Cape and Limpopo,” he said.
“All the top 30 stations for murder were in four provinces – Western Cape with 11 stations, KZN (8), Eastern Cape (6), and Gauteng (5).”
Parkview Community Policing Forum chairperson Geraldine Connell said it was unsurprising that the highest increases in murder rates were in the four provinces with the largest populations.
“Gauteng has the greatest number of people at around 15 million, followed by KZN with approximately 12.5 million, the Western and Eastern Cape each having close to 7.5 million people,” she said.
“Looking at these numbers, it is remarkable that Gauteng only has five stations within the top 30 high murder case statistics.”
Also read: Violent crimes on the rise in northern suburbs
Connell noted that the reason Parkview Police Station did not feature in the top 30 ‘worst’ stations in any category of crime was due to the work Parkview SAPS was putting in. “Our SAPS members are doing an excellent job in combatting crime in our precinct. Their inclusive strategy of involving the CPF, the Community in Blue Patrollers, the security companies, residents’ associations, and the churches, is paying dividends.”
Mchunu highlighted that the SAPS were investing in technology to fight crime. “We are investing in advanced tools and systems that enhance our investigative capabilities and improve response times. Technology will be at the forefront of our efforts to combat crime more efficiently and effectively.”
Connell concurred saying, “Tools like the Gauteng Crime Prevention panic button app which victims can use before they are attacked, could make a huge difference in preventing crime. Technology such as better communication equipment and drones can help apprehend and scout criminals. After making several arrests using such equipment, criminals will realise they can easily be caught.”
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