Eastern Cape Community Safety MEC Xolile Nqatha unveiled the province’s fourth-quarter crime statistics today, painting a complex picture of progress and persistent challenges. While some areas saw reductions in contact crimes, others—including livestock theft and violent offenses—remain alarming.
Hotspots Demand More Resources
Nqatha highlighted the OR Tambo District, Nelson Mandela Bay, and Buffalo City as major crime hotspots, accounting for the bulk of serious offenses such as murder, attempted murder, assault, robbery, and sexual offenses. In response, he announced increased resource allocation to these areas, including the deployment of two police helicopters—one in Nelson Mandela Bay and another in OR Tambo—to enhance rapid response capabilities.
“These stats are not just numbers—they represent real people facing real violence,” Nqatha emphasized. “While we’ve seen some successes, we cannot relax. These districts require intensified action.”
Livestock Theft Surges, Rural Communities at Risk
A major concern was the 8.5% spike in livestock theft, a devastating blow for the rural Eastern Cape, where many depend on livestock for livelihoods. Nqatha called for stronger collaboration between police, communities, and businesses to curb the trend, citing recent recoveries but stressing the need for tougher measures.
“Livestock is everything here. When it’s stolen, lives are destroyed,” he said.
Community Trust Growing, But Challenges Remain
The MEC praised the public’s increasing willingness to report crimes through initiatives like the “Musula” campaign, which encourages tip-offs via anonymous hotlines. However, he urged even greater participation, warning that criminals “belong to households—we know who they are.”
Police Shooting on R61 Draws Response
Nqatha also addressed yesterday’s deadly police shooting on the R61 near Mthatha, where six people—including a taxi boss—were killed after officers opened fire in what was described as a self-defense situation.
“Losing any life is tragic, but police must act when under threat,” he stated, reaffirming a zero-tolerance stance against armed groups operating like “a parallel state.”
Looking Ahead
While the province has seen some reductions in certain crimes, Nqatha acknowledged that high-profile violent incidents and stock theft continue to overshadow progress. He reiterated calls for a united front against crime, involving SAPS, community policing forums, religious leaders, and local government.
“We will not allow lawlessness to define our province,” he vowed. “The fight continues.”
