EFF Gauteng statement on the high crime levels in the province
14 March 2024
The Gauteng branch of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) expresses grave concern over the surging crime rates in the province for the third quarter Of the 2023/2024 fiscal year (October to December 2023). On March 12, General Tommy Mthombeni, the Gauteng Provincial Police Commissioner, revealed distressing crime statistics, including the arrest of more than 24,000 individuals in a mere three-month span in indicating the ANC governance dismal failure to deal with crime in the province.
The 3rd Quarter Crime Statistics Report for Gauteng outlines a grim reality in our battle against crime, with the province continuing to experience high crime rates despite increased resources and operations. The data suggests that criminals are becoming bolder, causing significant distress to Gauteng’s residents.
Notably, contact crimes such as murder, attempted murder, and various forms of robbery have surged, showing an increase of 1,288 incidents compared to the same period in 2022/23.
Murder rates have risen by 3.8%, totaling an additional 1,787 incidents, including 214 women and 55 children. Gauteng also reports the highest number of officer murders in 2023.
The report highlights a worrying trend of public confidence in law enforcement, leading to vigilantism. In just three months, nearly 90 murder cases resulted from community-led actions. High instances of mob justice in Diepsloot and severe taxi violence in De Duer, resulting in five deaths and six injuries from a single incident, underscore a breakdown in societal order and trust in state interventions.
Furthermore, there has been a significant uptick in carjackings, cash-in-transit heists, and robberies, alongside the devastation caused by illegal mining activities. Despite the launch of operations such as Shanela, the Festive Season Operation Plan, and initiatives targeting cash-in-transit heists, these efforts have fallen short in curbing criminal activity. This suggests criminals are outsmarting law enforcement, possibly due to inside collaboration, and reflects a broader disillusionment with the government’s role in job creation, pushing some towards crime as a means pf economic survival.
The presence of ineffective leadership, exemplified by Minister Bheki Cele, and the impunity enjoyed by ANC politicians involved in crimes, such the Phala Phala scandal, only perpetuate this crisis.
The EFF believes that the police are not the adversary but partners in ensuring public safety and upholding human rights. We have consistÜ1tly for a strategic relationship with the emphasizing the need for strong internal controls, a society free from victimization, and accountability for political appointments. We call for an overhaul of the law enforcement system, at establishing a competent police force equipped with effective crime prevention and investigative capacities to ensure high conviction rates.
Recognizing crime as a socio-economic challenge a government committed to job creation and poverty eradication. The EFF stands as the sole political organization advocating for state-led labor-absorptive industrialization, offering a beacon of hope for Gauteng’s residents. We pledge to increase police visibility, reopen police stations in townships, and ensure that officers are adequately compensated and trained to address violent crimes and gender-bas«] violence. The upcoming 29th of May offers an opportunity for Gauteng's residents to vote for accountable and corruption-free governance Of the EFF.
Issued by Nkululeko Dunga, Provincial Chairperson, EFF Gauteng, 14 March 2024
