Tomorrow during a sitting at the Limpopo legislature, the DA will deliver a motion without notice to reinforce that poor leadership within SAPS is the cause for the rampant crime scourge in the province.
The Limpopo crime statistics for the 2nd quarter of 2022/2023 indicate a predicted increase under the leadership of Provincial Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
There were 11 309 contact crimes and sexual offences reported at police stations between 1 June and 31 September 2022, 2499 more than during the same period in 2020.
This is 126 contact crimes and sexual offences daily, which included 267 murders, 963 reported rapes and 3116 assaults with the intent to do grievous bodily harm.
These shocking numbers represent a year-on-year increase of 16.6 percent in murders, 15.5 percent in reported rapes and 21.9 percent in grievous assaults.
The majority of contact crimes occurred in public spaces and most sexual offences were perpetrated at the victims’ place of residence.
Kidnappings increased by 93.8 percent from 60 in 2021 to 124 in 2022.
Economic crimes increased sharply compared to the same period in 2020:
- Robbery at residential properties increased by 51.2 percent
- Stock theft increased by 30.7 percent
- Shoplifting increased by 12.2 percent
- The SAPS have lost the battle against crime in Limpopo.
People are no longer safe in their own homes and cannot protect their property or belongings from criminals.
On 17 August 2022, Lindie Oberholtzer, was beaten to death by a blunt object in broad daylight at her home in Polokwane.
We have been warning against the lack of resources, underfunding and improved training of the provincial force for years, but it fell on deaf ears.
Crimes have been increasing every quarter under the watch of Limpopo police commissioner, Lt.Gen Thembi Hadebe.
It is clear that Hadebe is not capable to bring the scourge of crime under control and while she is at the helm, communities will continue to live in fear.
The DA will continue to fight for improved policing for all communities in the province and this begins with the call for Lt.Gen Hadebe to resign.
Issued by Katlego Suzan Phala MPL - DA Provincial Spokesperson on Transport and Community Safety