Crime stats prove infiltration of criminal syndicates into SAPS
23 November 2022
Attention broadcasters: English audio clip attached.
The release of the second quarter crime statistics for 2022/23 has proven that there is strong evidence pointing towards the infiltration of top management structures in Western Cape SAPS and how it has directly affected our crime-fighting efforts.
In comparison to the recorded statistics of June to September last there, there was an increase of 21.8% in contact crimes, 23.6% in sexual offences, 14.1% in contact-related crimes, and 14.3% in property-related crime.
These figures further highlight the fact that the national government does not take policing seriously in our province, which means that men- and women-in-blue will continue to find it increasingly more difficult to effectively fight crime and keep our communities safe.
While Minister Bheki Cele announced that approximately 1 100 new police officers will be deployed in the Western Cape during the festive season, we know that the challenges faced in the province are far more systemic.
Earlier this year we showed that more than 70% of our police stations had fewer police officers than five financial years ago. Coupled to this, SAPS revealed that 38% of the granted positions in the Anti-Gang unit were vacant, and that the current process of destroying firearms was costly and of high risk. Despite these realities, there has been very little done to improve these circumstances.
For us to fight crime, we need an effectively resourced and capacitated police service. Since this has not been prioritised by the national government, we have seen the following trends:
Cape Town Central Police Station recorded the highest property-related crimes with 905 being registered between July and September this year. This is clear indication that SAPS has relinquished its control to the crime underworld.
The top 3 police stations where carjackings were recorded are in the Western Cape, namely that of Nyanga, Harare and Philippi East.
Though these statistics paint a discerning picture, we know that the Western Cape Government’s perseverance with the implementation Safety Plan continues to yield good results. LEAP officers have been crucial to increasing boots on the ground and preventing crime in our hotspot areas. Over the course of September and October, these brave officers brought about 1 254 arrests and searched 63 438 people, 2 357 houses and 7 342 vehicles.
As the national government refuses to admit that capable, subnational governments are best placed to fight crime, we will continue to support the Western Cape in protecting our residents against those who intend on doing harm.
Issued by Gillion Bosman, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Community Safety, 23 November 2022
