The biggest increase in crime in the province, according to the Crime Statistics for Quarter 3 of 2022/23, was seen in rape cases that shot up by a massive 30,9%. This sees the province with the second highest ratio of rape cases in proportion to the provincial population, second only to the Eastern Cape.

The worsening crime situation has people fearing for their lives and those of their children. The 1 664 home robberies that occurred in the three quarters under review, translates into at least 18 home robberies taking place every single day in the once peaceful Northern Cape. No one can feel safe under such circumstances.

Levels of crime are escalating, whether we look at the crime statistics or not. Even the Postmasburg police recently raised their concerns in the media regarding the increase in armed robberies involving firearms in the district. Just a week ago, a man was shot outside the OK grocery store in Jan Kempdorp on a quiet Sunday afternoon, following an attempted car hijacking.

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Having conducted oversight visits at a number of police stations in the province over recent months, I don’t have to wonder why criminals are running circles around the police.

Most police stations do not have enough vehicles for patrolling, responding to emergencies or for catching criminals. This was recently the case in Kamieskroon, where there was not a single police vehicle operational because they were all in for repairs.

The lack of police officers and detectives also aggravates the crime situation in the province. The Roodepan Police Station has 29 detectives simultaneously working on 1900 cases. That means that each detective is trying to solve 65 cases simultaneously. That is why there are so many criminals still walking the streets.

The 10111 emergency hotline is another cause for concern. In Pixley Ka Seme district, in De Aar and Richmond, the tollfree emergency line is not working, reportedly due to loadshedding. If victims of crime cannot even call the police, how can we expect the perpetrators to be brought to book.

The entire police service has become a joke to criminals and until someone other than Bheki Cele gets to wear the cap of the National Minister of Police, there remains little hope of securing a safer Northern Cape.

Statement supplied.