Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, joined by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety Ms. Florence Radzilani, released the 2nd quarter of the Financial 2023–2024 Crime Statistics on Tuesday, 21 November 2023 during a media briefing held in Limpopo Provincial Head Office in Polokwane.
The Provincial crime statistics indicated a sharp increase in attempted murder and rape cases. The latest data reports a staggering 19.2% increase in attempted murders, reaching a concerning total of 310 cases.
Sexual offenses have also surged, with a 1.7% uptick amounting to 1153 incidents.
Thohoyandou maintains its notorious status as the rape capital of the province, securing the second spot on the list of the top 30 crime-ridden stations.
Seshego and Mankweng follow closely, ranking 7th and 13th on the national top 30 stations, reflecting a grim reality for residents.
Common assault has spiked to 2627 cases. The surge in commercial crime, increased by 16.9%, bringing the total to 1733 reported cases.
Lieutenant General Hadebe said the statistics are to be used as a yardstick to measure performance. The statistics cover the period from 01 July 2023 to 30 September 2023 and were to be compared to the corresponding period in the previous fiscal year.
“Through our intensive operations, we managed to arrest 72 suspects for illicit mining and confiscate equipment worth 2.5 million. During the evaluated period, there was a notable 11.2% decline in murder cases, amounting to 30 fewer cases than the previous quarter,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe
“Among the reported 237 cases, vigilantism accounted for 37, while arguments, misunderstandings, or provocations gave rise to 38 of these murders. As part of our efforts to apprehend those responsible, we successfully arrested 149 suspects for committing murder,” Concluded Lieutenant General Hadebe
Transport and community safety MEC Florence Radzilani said government was concerned about cases of gender-based violence and femicide.
“We are worried when the community takes the law into their own hands as it has the potential to create a state of lawlessness. We urge the community to report any criminal activities to the police. Operation Kukula is commendable in the fight against crime; it must be replicated throughout the province,” said Radzilani.