It is evident communities are \u201cstarting to feel the financial pinch\u201d due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as indicated by an increase in crimes such as theft, robbery, fraud and housebreaking, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi told the portfolio committee on justice and correctional services and select committee on security and justice during a virtual meeting on 29 April she expected to see an increase in poverty related crimes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the NPA\u2019s presentation, during the first phase of the Covid-19 lockdown period, from 27 March to 16 April, 11 111 first-appearance cases and 13 522 accused were dealt with by courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There was a huge inflow of cases noted on Freedom Day and a significant spike in first-appearance cases was more prominent on 14 April (after the Easter weekend), when the courts dealt with 2 664 cases involving 3 313 accused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the extended or second phase of the lockdown period, 5 591 cases with 6 846 accused were dealt with by the courts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On 29 April the police provided statistics to the portfolio committee on police and the select committee on security and justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to these statistics, 109 085 cases relating to the contravention of lockdown regulations were opened between 27 March and 17 April. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most cases were \u201cresidential-related offences\u201d, while 1 096 were alcohol-related. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n \u2013 Jan Gerber, News24<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It is evident communities are \u201cstarting to feel the financial pinch\u201d due to the Covid-19 pandemic, as indicated by an increase in crimes such as theft, robbery, fraud and housebreaking, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has 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