Crime down in Northern Cape, but concerns remain over domestic violence and alcohol abuse

THE NORTHERN Cape has seen a notable decrease in crime across all five districts, with significant reductions in murder, aggravated robberies, and property-related offences. However, authorities have raised concerns over persistent domestic violence, excessive alcohol consumption, and child-on-child sexual offences.

Premier Zamani Saul, alongside the MEC for Transport, Safety, and Liaison, Limakatso Koloi, and the provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Koliswa Otola, released the crime statistics for the third quarter of the 2024/25 financial year at a briefing in Kimberley on Tuesday.

Crime on the Decline in All Districts

The latest crime statistics, covering October to December 2024, indicate that all five districts in the province recorded a decline in reported community crimes.

• Frances Baard: down 5.7%

• John Taolo Gaetsewe: down 11.6%

• Namakwa: down 7.9%

• Pixley Ka Seme: down 1.4%

• ZF Mgcawu: down 8.7%

While these figures reflect progress in crime reduction, Lt-Gen Otola emphasised that crime is not solely a police issue but a societal challenge that requires collective action from communities, law enforcement, and government agencies.

Murder and Assault: The Role of Alcohol and Arguments

Murder cases dropped by 10.7%, with 13 fewer cases reported compared to the previous year. Attempted murder also saw a slight decline of 1.3%.

However, authorities warn that alcohol abuse remains a significant driver of violent crime, alongside arguments, misunderstandings, and provocation. Many cases of murder, attempted murder, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) are linked to excessive drinking, which often escalates disputes into deadly confrontations.

Knives remain the most commonly used weapon in murders and attempted murders.

Alarmingly, the data shows that schools are emerging as hot spots for violent incidents, with arguments leading to cases of grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Child-on-Child Sexual Assault Raises Red Flags

Rape cases declined by 2.1%, but the statistics still paint a disturbing picture. Many incidents occurred in victims’ or perpetrators’ homes, while others took place in public spaces and abandoned buildings.

Of particular concern is the rise in child-on-child rape cases. The youngest reported victim was just three years old, while the youngest perpetrator was only 12.

Lt-Gen Otola confirmed that three rape incidents were reported on school premises.

Tackling Substance Abuse and Unlicensed Liquor Outlets

Authorities continue to battle substance abuse, a major contributor to violent crime. During the third quarter, the police shut down 308 unlicensed liquor outlets across the province.

Premier Saul and Lt-Gen Otola highlighted the negative impact of excessive alcohol consumption, particularly its role in domestic violence, violent crime, and assaults in schools.

MEC Koloi stressed that crime prevention requires a collective effort from all sectors of society and urged law enforcement to act without fear or favour. She also commended community policing structures for their efforts in working alongside authorities to create safer communities.

Robberies Drop, But Scammers Are on the Prowl

There was a 14.7% decrease in aggravated robberies, with residential robberies dropping by 10 cases compared to last year.

Property-related crimes recorded an overall decrease of 19.6%, with stock theft showing a notable decline at 29.5%.

However, commercial crime - fraud, corruption, and financial scams - rose by 12%, indicating an urgent need for increased vigilance and stronger preventative measures.

Essential Infrastructure and Illicit Mining Under Spotlight

The prevention of infrastructure damage and non-ferrous metal theft remains a priority for law enforcement. Crimes affecting Transnet, Eskom, and Telkom are on the rise, prompting authorities to set up specialised teams to curb the sabotage of essential infrastructure.

It was noted that Operation Vala Umgodi, a joint task force involving the SAPS, SANDF, and the Department of Home Affairs, is cracking down on illicit mining in the Frances Baard and Namakwa districts. A total of 328 suspects have been arrested, including 219 foreign nationals. Authorities have also confiscated diamond-bearing gravel, tools, and equipment used in illegal mining activities.

Serious Crimes Decrease, but Commercial Crimes on the Rise

While the latest statistics indicate an overall decline of 9.8% in serious crimes, authorities are closely monitoring an increase in commercial crimes, which surged by 12%. These crimes typically include fraud, corruption, scams, and financial-related offences, and the police have urged residents to remain vigilant against cybercrime and fraudulent schemes.

Kidnappings showed a positive decline, with 43 cases reported this quarter compared to 53 in the same period last year.

Operation Shanela: Intensifying the Crackdown on Crime

Operation Shanela, an ongoing high-density policing initiative, continues to make strides in reducing contact crimes, addressing trio crimes (house robberies, business robberies, and hijackings), and tracking wanted suspects.

The operation targets crime hot spots across the province, with increased police visibility, intelligence-driven raids, and multi-agency collaboration playing a key role in its success. Authorities credit the joint efforts of law enforcement agencies, community structures, and government departments for the progress made in these areas.

Fighting Crime Together

MEC Koloi pointed out that fighting crime is not just the responsibility of the police - it is a societal issue.

She encouraged community members to support law enforcement efforts, report suspicious activities, and work together to create a safer province.

Building a Safer Future for All

Premier Saul commended the dedication of law enforcement officers, acknowledging that their work often puts them in dangerous and stressful situations.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting gender-based violence, emphasising that crimes against women and children - often committed within homes - are unacceptable.

Key areas of focus moving forward include:

• Disrupting the distribution of drugs to curb substance-related crimes.

• Enhancing sports and recreational activities to divert youth from crime.

• Strengthening community-policing partnerships to promote safer neighbourhoods.

Final Thoughts

The latest crime statistics offer a mix of optimism and concern. While crime is trending downward across multiple categories, issues such as domestic violence, alcohol abuse, child-on-child sexual offences, and infrastructure damage remain pressing concerns.

Through sustained multi-disciplinary operations like Operation Shanela and Vala Umgodi, as well as stronger community engagement and youth intervention programmes, authorities are determined to create a safer and more secure Northern Cape for all.