Note to all editors: Please find attached soundbite by Ruhan Robinson MPL
Despite considerable progress in some categories of crime, the Democratic Alliance (DA) remains concerned about the unacceptably high level of crime in the City of Ekurhuleni, especially considering Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s repeated declaration to make crime fighting an “elevated priority” in Gauteng.
Tembisa South Police Station continues to lead as the crime capital of Ekurhuleni, recording a 216.7% increase in murder year-on-year and ranking 23rd in South Africa. The number of attempted murders at this police station has also increased by 125%. Sexual assault, a crime primarily perpetrated against women, surged by 100%, despite lower rates recorded provincially.
Although the number of assaults with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm is low, it is concerning that five Ekurhuleni police stations, including Ivory Park, Tembisa, Etwatwa, Tsakane, and Daveyton, remain among the top ten in the province for this crime category.
Other key crime statistics that saw significant increases in Ekurhuleni include:
• Murder: 50% increase at Katlehong.
• Attempted murder: 65% increase at Ivory Park.
• Attempted murder: 52.4% increase at Katlehong.
• Attempted murder: 123.1% increase at Etwatwa.
• Attempted murder: 200% increase at Dawn Park.
• Attempted murder: 75% increase at Edenpark.
• Rape: 56.3% increase at Edenpark.
• Carjacking: 75% increase at Tembisa.
• Carjacking: 100% increase at Boksburg North.
• Carjacking: 78.9% increase at Alberton.
Overall, some crime levels in Ekurhuleni have shown a slight decrease; however, carjacking and residential robberies have increased by 17% and 16%, respectively. The increase in both statistics is significantly greater than the increase in the provincial statistics.
These statistics do not paint a picture of a provincial government that has prioritised fighting crime, but one that has lost the fight against crime. They also do not inspire confidence but demonstrate the lack of a clear, bold, and comprehensive plan to regain control of our streets and rebuild a Gauteng where people feel safe and secure.
A DA government would implement a three-pronged strategy for crime fighting in Gauteng that includes crime prevention, law enforcement, and victim support. There would be a greater emphasis placed on crime prevention, specifically. This would include increasing natural surveillance, surveillance technology, and police visibility. The time for the DA to put these plans into action and rescue Gauteng residents from a government incapable of safeguarding them is not far off but fast approaching with every passing moment.