The apathy of the provincial government to address escalating crime in hotspots across the province is extremely concerning.
Serious crime showed a year-on year-increase of 0.7% in the third quarter of 2023/24 in Limpopo.
These crimes include murder, attempted murder, sexual offences, assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), burglaries, theft, stock theft and arson. Murder increased by 9.5% and kidnapping by 19.3%.
Despite the 3rd quarter 5% decrease in other contact crimes provincially, serious crimes continue to increase in Seshego, Mankweng and Thohoyandou police stations.
Sexual offences increased in Mankweng, Seshego and Thohoyandou. All three stations are in the top 30 sexual offences hotspots nationally.
Similarly, reported assault GBH in Seshego, number 10 on the top 30 hotspots, increased by 4.1%.
Robberies increased by 11% during the 3rd quarter in Mankweng, number 16 on the top 30 robberies hotspots.
While crimes detected increased by 25% due to police action, police visibility alone is not going to curb the scourge of serious crime.
Premier Mathabatha did not address the concerning crime levels in his final SOPA in February – a clear indicator that there is no political will or plans by the ANC to eradicate the crime scourge.
The DA has a plan to halve violent crime through a decentralised, locally- accountable police force which will take into account unique challenges in different communities.