Police stations in the northern parts of Tshwane have reported significant increases in contact crimes during the last quarter of 2024, raising concerns among residents and authorities alike. The latest crime statistics were released on February 21 by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, reflecting data collected between October and December 2024.
Contact crimes, which encompass serious offenses such as murder, sexual assault, and robbery, have taken center stage as troubling trends emerge within the region. The third quarter statistics saw Temba Police Station ranked among the thirty worst for crime both nationally and provincially, positioning it at the alarming 14th place.
According to the report, the Ga-Rankuwa area experienced a 9% increase in contact crimes compared to the previous quarter. Specifically, murder counts rose by three, with local authorities recording 11 cases, along with 31 reported incidents of sexual offenses—an increase of seven cases. Assault with the intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) totaled 99 incidents, though common assault cases dropped by 15.9% from 137 to 160 cases.
Interestingly, common robberies declined slightly by one count, tallying 21 incidents, whereas robberies with aggravation surged by 16.4%, jumping from 73 to 85 cases. The statistics also documented 22 rapes and seven other sexual offenses during this quarter. Carjacking incidents remained steady, with 14 cases reported, alongside 25 residential robberies and 11 non-residential incidents. Malicious damage to property saw a minor increase, climbing from 51 to 53 reported cases.
Soshanguve Police Station had its share of distressing reports, too, marking a 9.8% rise in contact crimes. The statistics indicated a worrying pattern where attempted murder cases fell by one count but assault with the intent to cause GBH escalated by 26.3%, resulting in 125 reported cases. Notably, common assaults rose by nearly 15% as well, with reports surging from 196 to 225. The good news is... common robberies increased by 17 counts, bringing them to 53, but murder cases increased only slightly, now totaling five.
Despite some rises, Soshanguve's statistics also indicated 42 carjackings—an increase of 15 cases—compared to the previous quarter. Robberies at residential premises recorded 12 instances, showing marginal increase, alongside theft of motor vehicles, which climbed one count to 14. Interestingly, there was also such as 69 recorded drug-related crimes were detected, which reflect broader social issues faced by the community.
Turning to Mabopane, the report depicted some positive trends, with contact crimes dipping by 11.4%. Robberies with aggravation fell by 23.3%, moving from 159 to 122 counts, providing community members some relief amid grave statistics elsewhere. Nevertheless, the segment also saw common assault increase by 2.5%, alongside 162 counts this quarter. Assaults with the intent to cause GBH rose to 99, signaling persistent concerns within this precinct, yet rape cases fell to 13, down 10 counts from the previous assessment.
Meanwhile, the Temba precinct painted both sides of the crime spectrum, seeing contact crimes slightly decrease by 0.7%. Nonetheless, murder counts escalated dramatically, jumping by eight cases and now totaling 17 incidents, with sexual offenses rising to 61 reported cases. Carjackings within the area shot up as well, rising to 18 incidents, along with residential robberies reaching 31. Notably, the crimes against property statistics reflected similarly distressing experiences, as malicious property damage climbed by 16 counts.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu elaborated on the serious repercussions these crime trends hold for communities, emphasizing the impact on upbringing safety and quality of life. He acknowledged the demands placed on law enforcement to address these rising crime rates effectively and to work proactively to change the narrative to one conducive to safe, thriving communities.
Acknowledging the continuous battle against crime, community leaders are vocal about the urgent need for enhanced policing and community engagement approaches to address the root causes of these disturbing trends. The Minister's statements serve as both a wake-up call and rallying point for collaborative efforts between police forces and community members to tackle crime effectively.
With the communities of Tshwane calling for action, the police’s response to these alarming statistics will be pivotal. It remains to be seen how these figures will influence priorities for law enforcement and community safety initiatives moving forward. The seriousness of rising contact crimes cannot be understated, and community efforts will be key to bringing about change.