Limpopo Provincial Crime Statistics for the 2nd quarter of 2023/24 financial year
2023/11/21
The Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, was joined by the MEC for Transport and Community Safety, Florence Radzilani, when she 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 occasion was graced by the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Transport and Community Safety, Rebecca Seono, HOD for Transport and Community Safety, Steve Matjena, the Chairperson of the Provincial CPF Board: Frans Kgasago, Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Jan Scheepers and the Deputy Provincial Commissioner responsible for Crime Detection, Major General Samuel Manala, the District Commissioners, Provincial Heads, Union Representative, Media personnel, as well as members of SAPS.
Presenting the Crime Statistics, Lieutenant General Hadebe, said that she would like to provide an update to the citizens of Limpopo while further pointing out that the statistics which were to be shared today, we’re meant to 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.
The statistics were to be used as a yardstick to measure performance, said Lieutenant General Hadebe, adding that Limpopo Province primary focus encompasses the prevention of gender-based violence and femicide while effectively combating aggravated crimes such as carjacking, residential burglaries, business premises robberies, and cash-in-transit heists.
She further emphasized that the Province aspired to bolster border security measures alongside implementing stringent regulations pertaining to Illicit economic practices and firearms control measures.
“Through our intensive operations, we managed to arrest 72 suspects for illicit mining and confiscate equipment worth R2.5 Million. During the evaluated period, there was a notable 11.2% decline in murder cases, amounting to 30 fewer cases than the previous quarter. 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
During her remarks, the MEC emphasized intensifying co-operation between government and civil society to be able to win the battle. She further commended the good work the Provincial Commissioner is doing, and called upon cooperation between the community, community policing forums and the Ward Committee to lend a hand in fighting against crime.
“As government, 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 MEC Radzilani.
The MEC mentioned that she is worried about Thohoyandou police station standing out at the top in most crime categories.
“The Limpopo police led by the Provincial Commissioner are ready to ensure that residents, businesses and holiday makers are and feel safe during the festive season period and beyond,” said Radzilani.
Ends