The Portfolio Committee on Police has welcomed the decrease in murders and sexual offences reported during the first quarter of the 2023/24 financial year and has encouraged the South African Police Service (SAPS) to continue operations contributing to the decrease. It also encouraged the SAPS to ensure community relations are strengthened further to maintain this downward trend.
“A downward trajectory is always welcomed as it points to successes in the operations by the police. But the committee is of the view that the general crime picture remains worrying as it continues to prevent a sense of safety and security to communities in the country,” said Mr Nocks Seabi, the committee’s Acting Chairperson.
The SAPS reported a decrease of 3.1% in the murder rate and 2.0% in sexual offences. However, the committee called on the SAPS in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape, the only two provinces with an increase in the murder rate, to strengthen efforts to curb murders in these provinces. The committee also highlighted concerns about vigilantism/mob justice, which point to communities taking the law into their hands and disrespecting the rule of law.
The committee is also concerned by the continued proliferation of illegal firearms and the fact that in most cases firearms are the instrument of choice in murder cases. The committee emphasised the need for strategies to reduce the number of firearms on our streets. In line with this, the committee welcomed the ramp up of Operation Shanela across the country, which hopefully will have a positive impact in reducing this number.
The committee also remains concerned about the increase in the murder of police officials, with 31 officers reported killed in the quarter. “We are saddened by the increase in murder of police officers who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the protection of the people of this country. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen officials and have highlighted the need for strategies to prevent the killing of officers,’ Mr Seabi emphasised.
Furthermore, the committee highlighted concerns with the continuing link between the committing of crimes and substance abuse. The committee called for a joint effort between the SAPS and local authorities to ensure by-laws are enforced relating to the sale of alcohol.
As for sexual offences, the committee is concerned by the 20.2% increase in rape in the Free State and that 69 rapes are reported to have happened on school premises. The committee called for enhanced efforts to end gender-based violence and an end to acts of sexual violences at schools.
The sharp increase in ransom-related kidnappings is another concern. “This trend must be arrested with urgency to ensure that it doesn’t spiral out of control. It is worrying that 154 people were kidnapped and if not arrested urgently this will become a serious long-term challenge,’ Mr Seabi said.
The committee will schedule a meeting where a detailed analysis of the crime statistics will be undertaken with the view of finding solutions to areas of concern.
Source: Parliament of South Africa