The fourth quarter of 2022/23 crime stats released by the Department of Community Safety and Transport Management revealed 1 733 cases related to domestic violence and 1 339 cases being crimes against women and children. 

The Chairperson of North West Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Public Works, Roads, Community Safety and Transport Management, Mmoloki Cwaile, noted an alarming increase of about 4.8 % in the crime incidents between January and March 2023 when compared to the same period in 2022 making up all forms of crime reported to be 24 134.

In a statement, Cwaile said the committee is concerned by the GBVF cases that are happening at an unprecedented rate and encourages men to desist from pursuing crimes against women and children.

“The abuse of alcohol remains a factor that exacerbates the violent incidents and cannot be left unchallenged. The full implementation of the National Drug Master plan needs to be taken to a logical conclusion. The abuse of alcohol and drugs must be counter-acted and all roleplayers must do their part. It is a societal problem and all of us must play a role,” he stated.

The department reported that a considerable number of cases resulted from the abuse of alcohol by both the victims and perpetrators and that the occurrence of those incidents happened at alcohol-selling premises like taverns. 

The Mmabatho Police Station recorded the highest number of sexual-related crimes and an increase in incidents of child neglect and ill-treatment. To address these challenges, the committee directed hotspot areas to be given more attention and more resources to be deployed to mitigate and terminate high-risk areas.

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