Community safety and transport management MEC Wessels Morweng will lead the briefing. He’ll be joined by acting provincial commissioner Maj. Gen. Ryno Naidoo in the Tirelo Building.

The figures generally show a decline in several crime categories during the quarter, said North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburgh. “In some instances exponentially, except in commercial crime, which has gone up slightly compared with the (previous) quarter.” 

Despite the improvements, Myburgh said Rustenburg remains the province’s problematic city in reported crime, despite dropping as it is in the top 30 stations in the country. Other stations featuring in the top 30 … include Ikageng, Mmabatho and Boitekong (for) assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.”

Crime patterns

Morweng and Naidoo are also expected to outline plans to address persistent crime patterns, including the resurgence of illegal mining activities. Meanwhile, stock theft continues to be a major concern. Last year, the province grappled with this crime despite a reported 13.5% decrease in incidents during the fourth quarter of the 2024/25 financial year.

Local farmers expressed frustration, describing the problem as escalating and alleging collusion between residents and organised criminal syndicates from outside the province.

Meanwhile, attending the South African National Taxi Council North West elective conference on Monday (9/3), Morweng raised concerns about tensions between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.

“Let me indicate the issue of e-haling services), which has been raised … that there are some of our members in Santaco or the taxi industry in general that (have) been causing a problem. I want the conference to reflect on that, and the new leadership must (sit) down with the department so we can look (into) that matter.”

Communities have complained about the behaviour of some taxi drivers and called on the industry to address internal challenges. 

He urged the sector to reflect on its weaknesses and ensure that the lives of e-hailing drivers are not put at risk.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg