The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul in conjunction with the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Ms Nomamdla Bloem, the MEC for Youth, Women,Disability, Communication and E-Government, Ms Venus Blennies and the Provincial Commissioner of the Northern Cape, Lieutenant General Koliswa Otola released the fourth quarter crime statistics at the Premier’s office today in Kimberley.
Lt Gen Koliswa Otola accompanied by Provincial Management, when giving a brief overview prior to the presentation of the crime statistics by the Provincial Head of Crime Registrar, Brigadier Samuel Mathe, said the police remains focused and committed to fight crime and to hold all criminals responsible for heinous deeds they commit in our province.
Gen Otola indicated that there was a decrease of 10,5% in murder and the top causes of these deaths were arguments and misunderstandings, not related to domestic violence.
Police has a sharp focus on Gender Based Violence and Femicide and have seen a decrease of 3.7% and urges our communities to speak out and assist in the arrest of these suspects.
There were several good sentences in this regard such as Devon Ovies, dubbed the “Gordonia Butcher” who stabbed his sister 15 times and received 14 years prison sentence.
Jason Witbooi was handed down three life sentences for raping three girls aged 11, 12 and 14 in Kimberley and was successfully linked with his DNA.
Gen Otola also stated that contact crimes had an overall increase of 5.8% and requested the community to assist in this and property related crimes in the province.
The police also prioritizes damage to essential infrastructure like copper theft and established task teams within the districts to deal with this type of crimes decisively.
The MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison, Me Nomandla Bloem expressed her concern in the increase of some crimes but also commended the multi-disciplinary approach from other relevant departments and the Community Safety Structures and mentioned that we can combat crime together. She also commended operational actions such as Operation Shanela (SWEEPING) to address crime. She was also concerned that there is no longer the spirit of Ubuntu in the community.
The MEC for Youth, Women, Disabilities, Communication and E-Governance, Me Venus Blennies reiterated that every situation also has a good story to tell and remarked that she welcomed the drop in rape and domestic related cases, especially where women and children are involved. However, also stated that there is always room for improvement.
The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul in his remarks mentioned that although statistics in the fourth quarter of 2022/23 financial year showed a decrease in sexual offenses it remains a concern that more than 250 cases were reported in this period.
Dr Saul said that crime hot spots in our province should be our focus areas and that more boots on the ground is assisting with the decrease, hence more SAPS operations should be at the order of the day.
Government remains honed in on crime and will continue putting measures into place to fight crime in all spheres of the community effectively. He also indicated that it is not only the police’s responsibility to fight crime, but community at large.
The Premier concluded by saying one murder is one too many and as Provincial Government calls on all departments at all levels and the community to support policing efforts to address crime drivers in the Northern Cape.
