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The DA is concerned about the state of policing in the Free State following the release of the SAPS crime statistics for the second quarter of 2022/2023. Every year the DA raises issues of poor SAPS infrastructure, manpower shortages and the lack of patrol vehicles which have practically crippled police services in the province.

An increase in serious crimes reported at the Park Road police station precinct as one of the top 30 crime hotspots for the period of July to September when compared to the same period for 2020 and 2021 is an indication of the poor trajectory the province is on in terms of policing.

Among others, in the Free State between July and September this year there have been:

• 683 cases of rape
• 304 cases of attempted murder
• 852 cases of stock theft
• 2926 cases of assault with the intent to inflict grievous bodily harm

The statistics indicate that there has been an increase in all categories of contact crimes in the province except murder, with a staggering 52% increase in attempted murder.

The best deterrent to criminals remains the knowledge that if a crime is committed, the perpetrators will in all probability be detected, prosecutes and punished. The failing criminal justice system makes victims of crime further victims of the system.

The DA’s Community Policing Private Bill that was submitted to the Free State Legislature can assist with oversight and accountability to help improve policing in the province. Among other things, the Bill introduces provincial oversight models in respect of the police in compliance with the constitutional mandate of provinces to monitor police conduct and to oversee the effectiveness and efficiency of the SAPS at the local level in the Free State.

Issued by Dr Roy Jankielsohn - DA Free State Leader