While still ranking high in the province – in ninth position – violent crime is on a downward trend in Kraaifontein, while in contrast property crimes have seen a sharp increase in the precinct.
The murder rate has decreased with 48,2% and attempted murder with 67,5% according to the latest crime statistics covering the period between April and June.
The national crime figures were released by police minister Bheki Cele on 18 August. This marks the first quarter of the 2023-’2024 financial year.
During this period 29 murders and 13 attempted murders were reported, in both instances 27 less cases than during the same period last year. A total of 50 rapes were reported, as were 93 assaults with the intent to do grievous bodily harm, 215 common assaults, 39 common robberies and 177 robberies with aggravating circumstances.
During this time 12 cars were hijacked. Fifteen home robberies were reported, 21 cases less than last year and the lowest figure since 2019 when 23 cases were reported.
Business robberies have increased steadily year by year from 14 in 2019 to 28 cases this year, a 21% increase from 2022. A 29,5% increase was noted in cases of malicious damage to property. Home burglaries increased with 43,2% with 169 reported incidents, while 42 motor vehicles were reported stolen – 44,8% more than last year. Ninety six thefts from motor vehicles were reported, a figure that has remained more or less steady since 2021.
More policing collaboration
Commercial crime has skyrocketed to 121 cases, up 86% from last year, as did shoplifting with 48 cases, 60% up from 2022.
Crimes detected as a result of police action indicated a 31,6% increase with 990 cases. Some 902 drug related crimes were reported and 45 drunk drivers arrested.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security in the City of Cape Town, says the City is encouraged by a near 50% decrease in murders in Kraaifontein, a Law Enforcement Advancement Plan (LEAP) deployment area.
However, the quarterly crime stats show a need for more policing collaboration between the police and local authorities, he adds, with the City ready to help police fight crime should more policing powers be devolved to municipal officers.
“The high levels of crime evident in the quarterly stats clearly show the need for more collaboration between police and our City officers. We are doing everything possible to help the police fight crime within the policing powers currently devolved to us, but there’s a lot more we could do, especially with criminal investigative powers,” says Smith.
